The American road trip has fascinated photographers, writers and musicians ever since the automobile industry took off. The freedom of the open road and the sense of possibility, discovery and escape has long been an attractive and inspiring prospect. Road-tripping has especially had a powerful influence on photography. Hundreds of photographers have embarked on trips across the US and created some of the most important work in the history of the medium. Following in that tradition is Japanese photographer, Yoshiyuki Matsumura.

Born and raised in Osaka, Japan, Matsumura studied photography at the Osaka University of the Arts before moving to America and settling down in New York. “When I was in high school my dad gave me an old SLR camera that he had bought for my parents honeymoon.” said Matsumura. “I picked up the camera and started taking pictures of my friends and have not put it down since.”

“I was drawn to Maine because of its incredible beauty, the sea and the mountains. So I just picked up my camera and hit the road.”

Matsumura’s portfolio is a combination of editorial assignments and personal work, where he explores colour and narrative. In his latest series, Between Blue and Green, he made the state of Maine his muse. A seven hour car ride from New York, it is the northernmost state of America and the photographer made the pilgrimage to capture it’s rocky coastlines, maritime history and breathtaking landscapes. “I was drawn to Maine because of its incredible beauty, the sea and the mountains. So I just picked up my camera and hit the road.” Matsumura found a secluded cottage where he set up base, then spent the rest of his time getting to know the locals, fishing and documenting his surroundings.

Between Blue and Green is available now via Dashwood Books.