Dealing with reflections can be frustrating, especially when shooting through glass. Photoshop’s new reflection removal feature aims to simplify this process. While still in beta, the results it delivers on specific types of reflections are impressive.
Coming to you from Glyn Dewis, this informative video demonstrates how to use Adobe’s reflection removal tool and highlights its strengths and limitations. The tool, accessible through Adobe Camera Raw in Photoshop or Bridge, is currently designed for raw files only, though Adobe has plans to support non-raw files in the future. The tool is not generative fill but instead uses AI to target reflections on plate glass windows that cover most or all of the field of view. It’s less effective for smaller, more distant windows or objects like wine glasses or car bodies. Dewis walks through the setup process, explaining how to enable technology previews in Camera Raw to activate the feature.
In one example, Dewis removes reflections from a framed painting, where light fixtures and sound panels were mirrored in the glass. The tool analyzes the image and effectively eliminates the reflections with a simple checkbox. Adjustments like perspective correction and quick edits improve the final result. The process is straightforward, and the results are striking, especially considering this is an early version of the technology.
Another example shows the tool in action on a garden photo taken through a window. A slider lets you control the extent of the reflection removal, offering creative flexibility. For instance, you can completely remove the reflection, reduce it, or isolate it entirely. Dewis points out how this flexibility can be useful depending on your creative goals. In cases where slight traces of reflections remain, the removal tool allows manual touch-ups for a polished finish.
The video also highlights a few cases where the tool excels, like a café window with text on the glass or a reflective backsplash in a kitchen. In these scenarios, the tool nearly eliminates the reflections, leaving only minimal traces that are easy to clean up. Dewis underscores that while the tool is limited to specific types of reflections, its potential for more complex scenarios could grow in future updates. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Dewis.
