Nasty Reflections

[Rob S.]

Here's an image I have to work on that has nasty reflections in the sliding glass doors behind the product. Now, I could always either select the glass and:
1) Throw a gradient with some streaks on it, or
B) Gaussian blur it, or
III) Just darken it.
And things along those lines.
What might be a more interesting way to handle it?

[Leah]

Not really asking the question as asked, but if this is a product shot (i.e. focus of attention = product) then is getting "interesting" with the background a good ploy?

Personally, I would tackle this by sampling a dark color from the reflection, adding a new layer at 70-80% opacity and filling window shapes with the color. Maybe knock back the effect a little on the darker areas of the reflection (because there should still be a reflection there, after all). Adjust hue of window areas slightly towards the blue of the flooring to tie it together.

[Rob S.]

Sorry, Leah, I phrased my question wrong. When I said interesting, I meant technique, not outcome. I know the usual methods, but I was wondering if there was a different way to get some realistic, yet subdued reflections in the glass.

Thanks for your suggestions.

[Ed_L]

I downloaded the file, and worked on it a little. But after seeing all the excellent help coming, I did not feel it was necessary to post it, and I deleted it.

I sampled the screen of the small door, then painted on an empty layer to cover the glass. Added a little noise, then reduced opacity slightly to allow some of the reflections to show through. You can also play with different blending modes to see if you might get the effect you're looking for.

Ed