STILL: The Art of Noticing

I just discovered Mary Jo Hoffman's photography on Instagram, and when I saw that she had a book out, I immediately ordered it. When the book arrived, my first impressions were that the book is beautiful: It is beautifully designed, beautifully printed, and as beautiful as books often used to be. It's the kind of book you handle carefully simply because it is so nice. And then there is Ms. Hoffman's writing and her photography. I bought the book to be inspired, and it delivers in spades. I've long loved macro photography which means that I tend to notice the small things in nature and in life. Ms. Hoffman notices them too, and then she creates entire new works of art using them. Her photography is impeccable, but her sense of design is such that you can close the book and walk off still thinking about the compositions you just saw. And, you walk off wondering how much beauty you fail to "notice" every day. For me, this book is the boost I've needed after a terribly difficult year last year. I'm sending a big thank you to Ms. Hoffman. Keep Noticing.

Beautiful book, very well done. Makes you appreciate and notice every photo.

As soon as I removed the large, heavy book from the shipping carton and felt the embossed cover, I knew it was going to be pure pleasure to read and absorb. I have been following the author's Instagram feed for many years, after reading about her daily "still" practice on a Stanford Facebook post. The still images that she captures and posts daily are always perfect and unique. After doing this for 10 years, you'd think she would run out of ideas, but apparently not. The essays that describe how she began the process years ago, and how much joy she receives from it, are as beautifully written as the photography. This is a book that I will open up over and over, just for the sheer beauty of looking at simple, natural images.

Spectacular feast for the eyes and the should. Marveled at each of Mary Jo's photos and enjoyed her occasional explanations and stories. This book is displayed prominently in our home in the woods - we don't have many extra things out, but we made an exception for this beautiful, thoughtful book. I gifted it to a friend as well.

As a nature and wildlife photographer myself, I was enthralled with this photography book. Ms. Hoffman's talent is a gift for those of us who love nature and appreciate the often overlooked beauty it has to offer. She captures the intricate details of each leaf, mushroom, flower, plant and animal. All of nature is beautiful, from majestic mountains down to the tiniest insect, they all have something to offer. There is natural beauty all around us, slow down and take the time to notice it.

Buy this! I almost changed my mind, thinking maybe it wouldn’t be something I really would be terribly into. WRONG! I’m so happy I did. This book is absolutely stunning. The photographs are so impressive and inspiring. I cannot stop flipping through it. It has the feel too, of a very pricey coffee table book. It ticks all the boxes. I would like to give it ten stars. I so wish we’d get more publications like this. Such a well done, thoughtful, visual feast. This would make a wonderful gift for the nature lovers in your life. Don’t hesitate. Purchase it. I may get another copy, to put away, as the pages in this one will be worn out, the way I’m diving into it.

This beautiful book of well reproduced photography will have you looking at the things around you with new appreciation. I am a book visual person and this is one of my favorite recent purchases!

Beautiful work. Beautiful book. Fascinating to see the patterns in Mother Nature.

This is a fantastic book, illustrating the authors numerous years selecting natural items to photograph on a daily basis from her locality. The photographs are wonderful and ultimately would inspire individuals to acheive similar goals. I highly recommend this book. A heart felt thank you to Mary Jo Hoffman.

STILL: The Art of Noticing ist ein echtes Kleinod, perfekt für alle, die zur Ruhe kommen und sich einfach mal treiben lassen möchten. Die Fotografien sind mit viel Feingefühl zusammengestellt und strahlen eine besondere Ruhe und Schönheit aus. Man merkt sofort, hier geht es nicht um Spektakel, sondern um das Innehalten, das bewusste Sehen und das Entdecken der kleinen, oft übersehenen Momente. Genau das macht das Buch so besonders. Ob zum Durchblättern bei einer Tasse Tee oder als Inspiration für eigene kreative Pausen, dieses Buch ist ein Genuss für die Sinne. Absolute Empfehlung für alle, die Fotografie lieben und im Alltag mehr Achtsamkeit finden möchten.

Prachtig boek!! Mooie fotografie en kwaliteitsboek. Een must-have. Absolute aanrader.

Gave this as a xmas present and it was a great success. Lots of beautiful things for the artist recipient to examine and paint.

One of my favourite books for inspiration in my art studio. Really beautiful book!