STILL: The Art of Noticing

This book exceeded my expectations on so many levels. Not only is it beautifully photographed, it speaks to the rewards of noticing, family involvement, instilling an appreciation for nature, and committing to something each and every day. I have been following Mary Jo on Instagram for years, finding her posts a quiet place to pause online. When I learned that the book was available, I ordered mine right away and am sharing its life lessons with others. A wonderful gift for parents and nature lovers everywhere.

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.

A wonderful book full of amazing photographic art and inspirational words. This is far more than a “coffee table book”. It’s also a great read.

Wonderful book and inspiring photo book. Binding a little loose and the front cover is alittle warped. Altogether a great book I just wish the front cover did not pucker up. It’s not too noticeable unless viewed from the side.

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.

This book was given to me as a gift. I have loved it so much I purchased another copy for a friend and plan to give additional copies to all our grown children. I look forward to getting to turn the page to the next micro-season photos every few days. All the photos are beautiful, stunningly composed and photographed, always peaceful. Nature as art. Nature is art. And each page always make me smile. Thank you, Ms. Hoffman. If you love nature, gorgeous photography or the every changing seasons of the outdoors of the midwestern woods and fields, this book is for you. Love love love love love love love this book.

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.

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.