New photography book showcases ‘Santa Barbara and Beyond’ from lens of Mike Eliason

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - A new book of photography showcasing Santa Barbara and a whole lot more will be on store shelves in time for the holidays.

"Santa Barbara and Beyond: The Photography of Mike Eliason" is 160 pages of beautiful photographs taken by Santa Barbara County Fire Department Public Information Officer, Mike Eliason.

It's being sold at ShorelinePublishing.com and at local bookstores and shops in Santa Barbara starting Dec. 1.

Eliason has been taking photos in Santa Barbara County since the late 1980's. Thousands of pictures, telling thousands of stories from wildfires to sunsets and wildlife. After posting photos on his social media at the beginning of the pandemic and during the political season of 2020, Shoreline Publishing approached him about compiling his work into a book.

"I've seen this community grow, I've seen it change," Eliason said. "I've enjoyed every moment and meet a lot of people. It means a lot when someone comes up to me and says 'I really like that picture' or 'it's on the refrigerator.'

A book signing will be held at Chaucer's Books in Santa Barbara's Loreto Plaza on December 14 at 5 p.m.