[skolkmeier]

I took many photos of the outdoor model train tracks. As you can see in the example, the sun and shadows is causing a lot of exposure problems for me. I tried to fix some things in PP but there was just too much. My question is, would a CPL help? Any suggestions or criticisms welcome ( this time only, haha).

[Not a Number]

Moved to the Photographic Technique forum

[pschlute]

Any suggestions

Assuming that your train is not moving then this is a classic case for either :

Bracket the exposures (0/-1/-2) and merge the three images in post

or

Use the in-camera HDR mode

[skolkmeier]

Assuming that your train is not moving then this is a classic case for either :

Bracket the exposures (0/-1/-2) and merge the three images in post

or

Use the in-camera HDR mode

The train is moving. That's part of the problem.

[kypfer]

The train is moving. That's part of the problem.

In that case, maybe a bit of fill-in flash?

[Not a Number]

Fill-flash or fill cards/reflectors.

I played around with the image in Photoshop using the Shadow/Highlight sliders. 12-15% Shadows and 75% Highlights looked decent to me.

BTW: Nice layout.

[skolkmeier]

Thank you. I'll give both suggestions a try. I didn't know about the model railroad when we went to the park, but now that I do, I'll go back sometime and take more pictures. The fill flash sounds like a good thing to try.

[pschlute]

The train is moving. That's part of the problem.

You are taking a still image. Stop the train.

[Robot camera]

I also think fill in flash is the way to go. I'd set the ambient exposure to record the brightest bits correctly or maybe half a stop under exposed, because the flash will add a bit of light. The flash is best reflected off a white card or through a mini softbox to avoid obvious shadows.

I'd keep the flash close to the lens but point it up a bit, so that the closest parts of the subject are only lit by the edge of the beam, offsetting the effect of the inverse square law. I'd set the flash to manual, then adjust the power 'till I was happy.

[mlag]

Thank you. I'll give both suggestions a try. I didn't know about the model railroad when we went to the park, but now that I do, I'll go back sometime and take more pictures. The fill flash sounds like a good thing to try.

Fill-in flash was also my first idea, a camera with a build-in flash has an edge here,
but

...as you intend going back (& if wanting alternative to flash...),it yields the option to plan and avoid the sunniest part of the day - avoid anything around noontime - or choose to go on a less sunny day (clouds might be your friend in this case)...

Contrast will be less extreme (but on the other hand you might need to increase ISO... as longer shutter won't work well if train is moving) .

I would also underexpose -1EV...-2EV , typically the underexposed part is easier to correct than overexposed plain white area's...

[skolkmeier]

Thank you. There are lots of trees around, so a morning photo shoot, in the shadows, might work well. Good suggestions, all.

[bschriver11]

If your going back maybe you could use mother natures diffuser, a little cloud cover. You don't want a total gray overcast sky but a sunny day with intermittent clouds would be good, be ready to shoot as the clouds briefly block the direct sunlight.

[artrasa]

Use film and expose for the shadows, develop for the highlights.

[Not a Number]

You are taking a still image. Stop the train.

OP said the train set is at a park so I don't think there is any control over that.

[Ski Jumper]

Try multi auto white balance. Often helps with shadowy exposures.