Local to sign copies of Newport photography book

Local resident and professional photographer Kate Houlihan will sign copies of her new photo essay book, “Finding Newport Beach,” from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Where’s the Party in Costa Mesa.

The book is for sale at the store, 270 E. 17th St. #12A.

Houlihan, a stock and portrait photographer, mother of two and equestrian, has lived in Newport Beach for 15 years. She started “Finding Newport Beach” as a project focusing on the local surf scene but ended up expanding the subject matter.

“The idea started three years ago,” she said. “It evolved into more of a book about the whole area.”

Houlihan published the book, which sells on katehoulihanphoto.com for $24.95, through her own publishing company, Naeco — “ocean” spelled backward.

Her love of the Pacific and the Newport coastline permeates the 98-page glossy, hard-cover picture book. It contains six chapters that feature color and black-and-white photos interspersed with text capturing the Newport area’s famous coastal and harbor points.

“Finding Newport Beach” is also available at Martha’s Bookstore, 380½ Marine Ave., on Balboa Island, and at A Fine Affair, 2919 E. Coast Hwy. Suite A, Corona del Mar.

—Imran Vittachi