David Egan (b. 1982) is an American photographer who creates long-term bodies of work focusing on the American West. He lives in San Francisco and relishes the opportunity to break free from city life for photographic road trips.
Most recently he has been traveling through Nevada, capturing an array of classic imagery ranging from nostalgic commercial scenes to vacant landscapes. He has become known for his rich color saturated images and his long exposure night photography.
About ‘I Always Hoped For Better’:
I have been making photographs in and around the state of Nevada for about 2 years now. I take short trips, 1-3 days. I initially spent a large part of time visiting and exploring Reno. Reno is a strange city; the old downtown area with the casinos and motels is struggling and empty. There is an interesting feeling at night that is reminiscent to being at the Salton Sea in southern California and experiencing a glimpse of what once existed.
As I traveled throughout the state I found locations that have a similar feeling to Reno and that are no longer operating in the same capacity but have a certain presence. I chose to make photographs of this feeling of absence. I’m not sure if my interest in Hunter S. Thompson and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas have contributed to my interest in making bright color images of old motels or cars but I am in pursuit of a fictional reality. This work allows me to escape.
