The shadows pass can be used for various things. Here is how to remove shadows from the image using it:
-make sure no tone mapping is used (highlight compression, saturation, contrast, etc. - all must be set to defaults, except exposure, it can be set to any value)
-make sure you save in 32-bit depth
-open your files in PS
-set beauty as background, shadow pass above it
-use "Linear dodge (add)" blending mode
-your image should then become "flat", without shadows
Likewise, to amplify the shadows, you should use other type of blending. For example "multiply".