Reflections in eyes

[popcorn]

I was sure I posted this yesterday but I must have made a boo-boo!!
Another "senior moment"

I am using Elements 2018 with Elements + Add-on on a laptop with Windows 10 with a  separate IPS screen 

I am editing a portrait. 
It was taken outdoors in natural light. The location has two fairly high off-white walls, one behind and the other in front of the subject.
The two sides are open ended and there is no roof. The lighting is from all directions and very even. There is no direct sunlight.
There are almost no shadows on the face but I have placed a light reflector on the floor below the subject to light under the jaw and nose.
The portrait was taken from slightly above the subject.

I have completed the edit except for the eyes, and here is my problem. 
Although there is no shadow, my silhouette is reflected in her iris, overlapping the pupil.
There are in fact two reflections of me. one above the other but slightly displaced.
It looks as if the reflections are on two different layers in the eye.
The eyes are sharp and have nice highlights, but the reflections are disconcerting and they obscure the pupil. 


Is there anyway to remove the reflections without manufacturing "new eyes"?  

 

[hmca]

popcorn, I can't help with the problem you describe above, however I do remember reading it. So I am just letting you know that you did indeed post it but I can't find it now either.

[pontiac1940]

Jun 5, 2021 15:27:13 GMT popcorn said:

Is there anyway to remove the reflections without manufacturing "new eyes"?  

Are you able to post a closeup of the eye? Would help. I have removed double catchlights and mini reflections with careful cloning.  

[Sepiana]

Jun 5, 2021 15:27:13 GMT popcorn said:

I was sure I posted this yesterday . . .

Hi popcorn,

You are right; you did post about this issue.

Problem with Sharpening eyes tutorial (See 4th post.)

Jun 5, 2021 15:27:13 GMT popcorn said:

I have completed the edit except for the eyes, and here is my problem. 
Although there is no shadow, my silhouette is reflected in her iris, overlapping the pupil.
There are in fact two reflections of me. one above the other but slightly displaced.
It looks as if the reflections are on two different layers in the eye.
The eyes are sharp and have nice highlights, but the reflections are disconcerting and they obscure the pupil. 

Is there anyway to remove the reflections without manufacturing "new eyes"?  

As both the iris and the pupil area seem to be affected, a combo of retouching tools may be needed.

- Create a blank layer.
- Use the Clone Stamp tool, the Spot Healing Brush, or the Healing Brush.
- For the pupil area, try also the Brush tool (color Black, Soft Light blending mode, reduced Opacity).

You may find the tutorial below helpful (more specifically the instructions to deemphasize catch lights/remove reflections).

Enhance Eyes in Photoshop Elements – The Complete Guide to Sparkle & Pop [Part 2]

And here are some tips to give you more control when using repairing tools in Elements.

The Spot Healing Brush vs the Healing Brush

The Overlay Option of the Clone Stamp Tool

[popcorn]

Hi Pontiac,

Thank you very much, but I don't want you to use your valuable time .
Do you want the Raw file or the pdf on the edit.
If you can look at it and possibly give me some ideas.
I am very much a beginner with regards to taking portraits and processing them.
As soon as you let me know which file you want I will send it via imbbb.com on this forum.

Thanks again

[pontiac1940]

Jun 5, 2021 20:51:30 GMT popcorn said:

Do you want the Raw file or the pdf on the edit.

Can you upload a large jpg (or RAW) somewhere (like imgbb) and provide the link? 
I should have time later this evening to have a go. 
Clive

[BuckSkin]

Jun 5, 2021 15:27:13 GMT popcorn said:

Is there anyway to remove the reflections without manufacturing "new eyes"?  

 

If there is a portion of the eye that does not have the reflection, select it with the lasso - Control+J to copy the selected portion to a new layer.

Now, it may be as easy as Image > Rotate > Rotate Layer 90° --- then move it to suit.

If more is needed, Control+J to duplicate this new layer; rotate it 90°; wash rinse and repeat as needed.
.............................................................................

Or....., take a picture of the persons eyes, simulating the positioning and distance as closely as possible, except without the reflections; then, cut out these eyes and merge them into the photo in question.
...................................................................................

Find a photo of the same person's eyes, or someone's eyes that look close enough, and use them.

[popcorn]

Hi Pontiac 1940,

Once again thank you.
Unfortunately the time difference between Canada and South Africa is over 7 hours, so I was fast asleep when you posted last night.
I attach the psd and the Raw file with my xmp.
Please don't spend too much time on it, what I would appreciate is your method so I can use it on future projects.

Having just tried imgbb I find it does not accept Raw or psd, so I have converted to jpg


Also, thanks Buckskin,
There is no chance of retaking the photo and unfortunately I don't have another to copy the eyes from. The reflections cover almost the entire so there is almost nothing to copy from.
I am no expert at Elements, so your techniques of "wash & rinse" are new to me, could you please explain?
I am attaching a file for Pontiac 1940 as per his request above. I more interested in the method than the actual result on this image.

[cats4jan]

Off subject, but I like the “sparkle” the reflection makes. I wouldn’t change a thing. Very pretty portrait - what a nice smile. You did a fantastic job capturing this shot

[hmca]

I agree with Janice. You have captured an image that reflects both her outer and inner beauty. You might want to consider looking past this slight technical issue.

[Chris]

Well Done Popcorn! That is a good portrait! The genuine smile is the most important thing to look for.

I agree with what has already been said that the catchlight is quite acceptable. You could choose to leave it as it is.

If you prefer to do some work on the eyes with the clone tool or other tools then you can get it to look exactly as you like. We are happy to help.

If it was my photo, this is what I would do.

1- Darken the highlights just a little to remove a bit of shining on the skin. This is best done with the original raw file.

2- Use the spot healing brush only over the dark pupil of the eyes to remove the outline of the photographer. That way, if anyone decides to pixel peep, the result will look more acceptable.

This is what I mean:


Before:


After using the healing brush:



Kind regards
Chris

PS its optional if you wish to smooth the skin a little with a filter.