Whenever possible, I photograph people through the SUV windshield now that I can no longer do all (or practically none) of the driving. I use my 80-400mm at 400 to get people at a distance and widen the view as necessary as we get closer. This is harder than it sounds since both the car and the people are moving, not to mention dirt, rain, and other obstructions. Sometimes the autofocus cannot keep up. We drove to Horsham last Wednesday, and the problem was exacerbated because Susan refuses to take four-lane highways so the ride was a bit bouncy. You can see the camera was moving around rather a lot. I could not get everything I wanted in a single in-focus frame.
These are three iterations from the same seven source images. #1 used two, #2 used three, and #3 used six. The individual frames are surrounded by the yellow boxes, The area outside the yellow boxes was created with Photoshop's context-level fill. The Eagles logo in #3 was stolen from their website.
Interesting project, Andrew. Also, enjoyed your explanation of how you're taking photos in the SUV. I really like #2 the best ... it feels easier to explore than the other two. I like the thin yellow lines and the little surprises that you don't catch at first.
I spent most of thirty years driving for a living as a manufacturers' representative and an outside salesman, doing 30-50,000 miles per year. Being a passenger is boring, so I navigate and take pictures to stay awake.
Thank you, Andrew.
Personally, which is the only way I can judge a photograph, as with Jennifer, I like #2 the best...reasons:
#1 The intense red of the borders keep drawing my eye away from the subject.
#3 My eye is drawn to the Yellow and away from the subject.
That being said, I've never tried this style of editing, so I don't know what I'm taking about. Good job.
I love the way you continue to experiment when faced with challenges Andrew. The third image is the one that catches my own eye the most.
There are a couple of photographers I am aware of who have created wonderful work through a car windshield. Perhaps as you are spending more time as a passenger they may provide some inspiration.
The first is an artist I reviewed on my blog some time ago, Jim Kasson (https://www.alanbrownphotography.com/blog/influencers-jim-kasson), who takes a series of images while passing by subjects and blends in PS.
I love his work and if I had a driver would try the same myself.
As you mentioned the challenge of inclement weather you may also want to check out the work of Christophe Jacrot. (https://christophejacrot.com/en/portfolio/in-the-mood-for-rain/)
Christophe chases bad weather and often shoots through rain-soaked windows. I have been meaning to purchase his book (https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Beauty-Weather-Christophe-Jacrot/dp/3961714975) which contains some beautiful work.
Inspired by Julieanne Kost I have also tried experimenting myself with trying to maintain the position of a subject during a long exposure whilst the car is moving, which can produce interesting outcomes.
Julieanne's 'Passenger seat' series of images is worth checking out (https://jkost.net/passenger-seat-ii-1).
Just some ideas that you may find interesting given your current shooting environment - thanks for helping bring these artists back into my mind.