Using cloning stamp tool to remove reflections...

[Kugar13]

The guide (classroom in a book) says "the clone stamp tool samples the pixels on a source layer and applies the sampled pixels to a target layer; the target lay can be the SAME LAYER or a different layer in the same composition". Then it goes on to show you how to do this using a different layer (later on in the footage). I have a static scene with a crew member in the reflection of a large glass window. I don't have a shot without the crew member in the shot, so how do I use the clone stamp tool to remove her using the SAME LAYER? The guide doesn't say much on how to use the tool.

More details about the footage:

I have crew member's reflection in a large window in the background. The shot is static (camera does not move), but she does just a bit (she moves her arm).

The reflection is translucent; you can see everything outside, but the reflection takes precedence.

Would the History Brush Tool be a better solution?

Any thoughts?

Thank you!



Thank you for your help!

 

[Matt Grunau]

Since the shot is static, I would try to use a frame where she is out of the picture, or even go back to the site and take a still of the window with a regular camera. Then, simply add and color match it in AE, and generate some noise on it (using either the match noise or a simple generate noise) to help it blend in.

Using the clone stamp may work, but putting together a compilation of frames where she is in different positions in the window, and selecting enough blank regions to create a whole may work also, if that is possible.

Lastly, you may want to export a frame and do you cloning in Photoshop. You have much more powerful tools and options to do that kind of thing.