STILL: The Art of Noticing

by Mary Jo Hoffman

The astonishing culmination of the artist-author’s decade-plus project to capture beauty, commemorate place, and see the world more fully Every day (every single day) for over a decade, Mary Jo Hoffman has made a photograph of found nature – no subject too small or too ordinary. For Hoffman, a former aeronautical engineer, this daily ritual cracked open profound revelations about the connectedness of all things, the importance of place, and her own life. This book shares a selection of the breathtaking photographs from Hoffman’s enormous archive, accompanied by perceptive, deeply felt, and oftentimes humorous essays illuminating the insights gained through this daily creative practice. STILL features 275 of the most stunning photographs the author-artist has accumulated over thousands of consecutive days of daily shooting – a true feast for the senses.

Genres: Nature, Art, Nonfiction, Photography, Essays, Natural History, Adult

318 pages, Hardcover

Published May 1, 2024

Reviews

[Noodle Hag · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe I'm not critical enough of the books I read, for all the four and five star ratings I give. I think this is because a) with fiction, I read for the joy of it, so if I don't love it, I don't usually finish it, and b) with non-fiction, I just love collecting peoples' ideas about things, and that excitement tends to override any minor issues I have with a book. This one was rife with powerful ideas about image-making, and even more so about being truly present, and what one can learn and become from the daily practice of deeply noticing. I will need a copy of this one to refer back to for wisdom and inspiration.

[Julia G · Rating 5 out of 5]

These last few essays! Wow. Especially 'A Total Work of Art.' a new way to understand why mundanity is so thrilling. And the 72 micro seasons of my home - I hope to know a place in the depth that she does. More time to spend with this book.

[reading is my hustle · Rating 5 out of 5]

found bits of nature twelve years & counting...

the 72 macro seasons made me think of The Tree Doctor. my absolute favorite photograph was the constellation of red pine needles tho i noticed even her flat file of prized pieces is arranged artfully & AMAZING!. the morse code of balsam needles is complex while the artistry of other photographs are simple yet stunning. her blog + insta are worth a look, too!

Mary Jo Hoffman MINNESOTA STRONG!

[Paige]

I love the idea of six seasons (adding locking after fall and unlocking after spring) and of 70some micro seasons, each lasting just a few days. The fine gradations of time passing and seasons changing.

Wasn’t expecting the Minnesota specificity, but that was great.

[KJ Grow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely stunning and a contender for my favorite book of the year. Not only are the photos and assemblages of found nature awe-inspiring, the accompanying essays are gorgeous meditations on seasonality, creativity and discipline, and conscious living.

A book I plan on giving to people I love. I would love to encounter and spend time with more books like this.

[Genene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sitting with this lowers my blood pressure like walking through the forest, alone with birdsong, without deadline or worry. Hoffman shares her photography process and decision to document daily observation at home in Minnesota and abroad in France. She describes the noticing—blue feathers, rocks with white mineral ribbons, fern fronds, empty shells—and how these curated collections unfold in front of us, new and different again, arranged as art.

I'm buying this book. I'm rereading it again tonight for her notes.

Pace over perfection. And when you read this, you'll know what I mean by "bumping" it a bit. Wise advice. Beautiful imperfection.

[Vanessa Ya Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an absolute work of art. I am almost speechless.

As an amateur photographer and nature observer, this book spoke to my soul. So much of this book was like looking in a mirror and I am so inspired and proud to have an eye for beauty.

I hope to one day cross paths with Mary Jo.

I tried to savor the book over a longer period of time, but 3 days was the longest I could stretch out my interest and enthrall.

This book forever changed how I see roadkill . There is beauty and everything if you take the time to notice.

[Ann Knuttila · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this is more of a beautiful coffee table book vs a novel, it still deserves a place and attention here.

Thanks mom for turning me onto Mary Jo Hoffman and this gorgeous book. Not only are the images stunning but there is also a beautiful story here that is told about the natural world and the importance of making time to notice the beauty all around us.

[Suzi Loosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most gorgeous book. I will return to it again and again 💚

[Rebecca Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning. Described by the author/photographer as a mixture of Nordic and Japanese aesthetics, this book consists of page after delightful page of simple images of natural objects on a white background, along with a few essays describing the journey of how Mary Jo's photographic practice came to be and what it taught her. The sheer joy and wonder in these images, and the wisdom of awareness and presence in both the art and the words—it is a book to be savored and enjoyed.
Pro tip: the best place to enjoy this book is on the 5th floor of The Element hotel in Burnaby, BC, with sunshine or a moody sky gracing the breakfast lounge through the huge windows. Make sure to get a seat where you can see the mountains when you look up.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I love a good photo book. And this one was full of gorgeous photos of nature. And the essays? 100% worth reading. Part of the beauty of Nature Study is in how it pervades life.

Powerful elements:
Daily-daily-daily takes the pressure off, and changes you
Plodding
Small steps (of work and 72 microcosms)
Share your work
The work is never finished
The fulfillment is in the work itself, not the product
A total work of art (unity of life’s seeming randomness)

Warrants action and a reread.

Found this book in a library SEO search and requested it. Later saw that Ginny Yurich had done a podcast with Mary Jo Hoffman about it. 1000 Hours Outside #364

<3

[Mark Loder · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the world buzzes by around us, so much is right in front of us that goes unnoticed. That is until you are STILL. I’ve always enjoyed taking in my surroundings and this book showcases the beauty of God’s creation in a very artistic way. Through both word and photography, the author shares a love for nature that really is a must have portion of life.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The contemplation and daily devotion to the process of art, life around us, and the profound meaning that one can derive is quite extraordinary.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous photographs, insightful essays. Reminded me of The Comfort of Crows.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[kathyoly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book of photos is beautiful and calming. I loved the artist’s compilations and what she sees in everyday natural objects. The text provides a nice explanation of how she initiated her daily photography practice and is just enough to describe and not detract from the stunning visual art.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal photography of found nature objects and wonderful nature writing! I really enjoyed the section on the 72 microseasons -- very interesting!

[Wisconsin Alumni]

Mary Jo Hoffman ’87
Author

From the author:
The astonishing culmination of the artist-author’s decade-plus project to capture beauty, commemorate place, and see the world more fully

Every day (every single day) for over a decade, Mary Jo Hoffman has made a photograph of found nature – no subject too small or too ordinary. For Hoffman, a former aeronautical engineer, this daily ritual cracked open profound revelations about the connectedness of all things, the importance of place, and her own life.

This book shares a selection of the breathtaking photographs from Hoffman’s enormous archive, accompanied by perceptive, deeply felt, and oftentimes humorous essays illuminating the insights gained through this daily creative practice. STILL features 275 of the most stunning photographs the author-artist has accumulated over thousands of consecutive days of daily shooting – a true feast for the senses.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect in its composition, inspiration, and explanation, STILL is the culmination of Mary Jo Hoffman’s decades-long labor of love. Her love of nature led to a love of exploration and discovery, which in turn brought her curiosity to the fore, her camera into focus, and finally, her engineering background was able to take on new purpose in her photography, art, and life.

I’m in awe. So often when I hike, I too am on a journey of discovery with a kindred passion for “the art of noticing.” This book is absolutely beautiful; I’m so glad it exists. Though this copy was from the library, I intend to purchase my own soon. As I sit with its ideals, I wonder what future projects it may inspire in me!

[Tina Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely stunning. The photography is amazing and I loved the author's writing which set up each section. I agree that the photos on a black background are more visually stunning but the ones on a white background are much more soothing. I found myself going back to the book over the last several days and looking through a section of photos again, marveling at the detail and creativity of both the author and God, the ultimate Creator. If you enjoy nature photos you should check this book out.

[Debbie Jeske · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this is one very beautiful book. I learned about Mary Jo and her STILL project when I read her husband, Steve Hoffman's book, A Season for That. Mary Jo's "year-long" project that has lasted many years, is truly inspiring. I enjoyed seeing her art, hearing about her life and art practice, and truly appreciated her thoughtfulness in it all. (Note: this book contains more photos than words, but both are worth the time.)

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been following Mary Jo Hoffman on Instagram for years. Her daily photographs of found nature are gorgeous, and her thoughtful intentionality in her practice is inspiring. Her essays in this book provide deeper context for her work and art. Sadly, a recent fire in her home has forced her to put her Still blog on hold. I look forward to seeing what she does next.

[Christine Gustin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mesmerizing. Stunning. Beautiful.

I was thrilled when my library finally got a copy of this book!! This is the kind of book you’ll want to snuggle up with and tread through slowly. So many incredible photographs and thoughtful essays.

If you love nature and stunning, high-contrast photos, you will LOVE this book! Perfect for your coffee table or home library.

[RavenT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Jo Hoffman's art (photos taken daily over more than a decade) and essays are incredible, and I really want a copy of this book to go through seasonally - a gorgeous book for any nature lover. This is my favorite book of 2025.

STILL: The Art of Noticing with Mary Jo Hoffman at New York Botanical Garden:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICZp_...

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars from me as this book is so beautiful. Absolutely exquisite.
I was drawn to the cover as they are images I knew. Sure enough, the author lives in Minnesota. The photography is beyond belief. You can’t help but scan over the images over and over. Every one a work of art.

[Alex Boon · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give it 10/5 stars, I would. Spoke to me so deeply and was above most of my other 5 star books in terms of meaningfulness to me. I'll be dipping into this for years to come. If you like nature, art, photography, slow living, and beautiful things, you won't be disappointed.

[danielle; ▵ · Rating 4 out of 5]

beautiful pictures but I found the author’s voice annoying (it is a little too la di da, as she puts it at one point; there are no teeth; the end result is a scrapbook (but again, the photos are beautiful; she truly found her niche))

[Courtney Harp · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fascinated to learn about the author's photo-a-day project and her process for completing this book. Interesting, impressive and beautiful photography. This would make an excellent book for the coffee table!

[Jonijean · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5. A glorious work of art and reflection, featuring the authors daily nature photographs over 13 years. Her reflections on dailies and microseasons were so inspiring. I so recommend an afternoon with this book.

[Geri chesner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved reading this slowly and being "still" while reading and viewing. Don't just look at the gorgeous photographs, but read Hoffman's words to truly be inspired and awed with nature, her heart and her talent.