It's a giveaway from MCP actions!

Jodi Friedman is the creator behind MCP Actions, a wonderful and educational resource for photographers. We thought the Savvy readers would enjoy getting to know her and learn more about the products and services she offers.

What words would you use to describe your style of photography?
Bold - Colorful - Crisp - Fun. I love colorful, vivid images that really portray real life. I prefer a more photojournalist, natural approach versus posed portraits. And while I sometimes like dressing up my subjects, I prefer them wear clothing that shows their style and who they are.

What inspires you as a photographer?
Vacation... Is that even an answer. Seriously, when I am relaxed I tend to do my favorite shooting. I also love capturing beautiful backdrops with water and sand and deep blue skies. And for some reason I find those away from my home.

How long have been a photographer?
It depends what you consider "a photographer." I started shooting when my twins were born in 2001. And never looked back. I do not do portrait photography. My business is helping photographers get to that next level by teaching them post processing and creating Photoshop actions that speed up their workflows.

When you're not photographing, where can we find you?
At my computer, teaching Photoshop, editing images, or writing for my blog. Playing with my twins, Shopping, Eating sushi or Thai food, Reading a book (James Patterson or Harlen Coben)

Best marketing ideas?
Sell yourself and what you have to offer. There are a million photographers out there. But there is only one of you. So once you learn to market yourself rather than images on paper, you will grow as a business. Network with others - yes - that means your competitors and/or other photographers. There are so many ways we can grow by helping each other. In my business and on my blog, you will often see me help other businesses, many that could be considered competitors. I can tell you once I stopped being afraid and started embracing competition, my business grew many times over.

Worst marketing idea?
Lowering prices because of the economy. I see so many businesses, and photographers, lower prices. They say, "there is so much competition and the economy in my area is so bad." I think if anything, I might do the opposite and raise prices, work less or the same, and make the same or even more money. The thing is not everyone is your potential customer. You need to realize that you may not be your own customer. In my business, I see people offering free Photoshop actions or even free webinars teaching Photoshop. I do not lower my prices because of that. If you go back to the "best marketing ideas" I use that and know people buy from MCP because of Jodi Friedman. Yes, my products are solid. And yes, I have a lot of experience in Photoshop. But in the end, you buy from me because you like me, you like my blog, you like the way I do things. And my products no longer need to compete with "free." Neither do yours.

What do you think makes a photographer successful in 2010?
Strong business and marketing skills. Good to great photography - but not necessarily the best. Ability to network and build alliances with other photographers.

What's your weakness in this business?
Well if you ask my husband or my kids, since I work from a home office, my work is with my 24/7. In fact I am working on the interview questions at 9:30pm on a Saturday night. I need to learn to step away more. But I love what I do, and it is a constant battle. Not saying "No" enough. I seem to say "Yes" too much. I spend too much time answering questions in emails, helping other companies, and doing things asked of me. This may be a weakness, but also may be why I have grown so much over the years...

Do you Twitter? Facebook?
Yes - of course. Unfortunately Facebook cut me off as far as adding friends and accepting friends back in October of 2009. I reached 5,000 and they say that is enough. I still do not understand how a Social Media company can limit networking, but...
My Facebook Page where you can come join in the fun, and it has no limits is: http://facebook.com/mcpfans. So come "like" MCP there. And if you like to tweet, you can find me on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/mcpactions

What's Your:
Ideal Getaway?
A cruise with my husband and kids. We just cruised on the Oasis of the Seas. And we cannot wait to go on another cruise. It was amazing.

Savvy indulgence?
My nails - not sure how or why I got into this. But every two weeks for the past 13 years, I get my nails done. I am the opposite about my hair, which is kind of funny, but my nails have to be polished and pampered.

Family ritual?
Going to Northern Michigan, in Charlevoix every summer for a week. We have rented a place for a week every summer since before my kids could walk. It is an amazing time every year. There is a little downtown, Lake Charlevoix on one side and Lake Michigan on the other. I love taking pictures which become our memories of this "ritual."

Favorite thing in your closet?
3-way tie between my Yellow Box Flip Flops, Ugg Boots and Slippers (that I wear as shoes), and my fairly new Marc by Marc Jacob hot pink purse.

Are you a Nikon or Canon girl? Which model do you use?
Totally Canon. Canon 5D MKII at the moment, with a side kick point and shoot, the Canon G11.

Favorite lens?
Cruel to ask me to pick one... I wrote this article about my favorite lenses. Probably at the moment my fav is my 50L. But I love my 35L and 135L almost as much.

Any children? How many?
I have two amazing kids - twin girls who are 8. Ellie and Jenna love to help me with my business. They pick winners for contests on my blog occasionally, and even pop in and teach a minute or so on some of my group training classes. Basically they know if they can learn Photoshop, so can you.

We'd love to hear more about MCP Actions...tell us about the site.
MCP Actions is a resource for photographers all over the world. The goal to help photographers reach that next level, whether they are a hobbyist or professional, by providing photography and Photoshop resources.

We accomplish this three ways: Education, tutorials, and advice on the MCP Blog; Training photographers through MCP Online Photoshop Classes and Workshops; Providing innovative, time saving Photoshop actions that take your images from good to great.

Thank you Jodi!

Savvy readers...It's giveaway time!

The winner chooses any ONE single MCP Photoshop actions set. Offer good on action sets only (not packages or trainings)

To enter, visit MCP Actions and come back and comment on which action set they would choose if they win.
Then head on over to facebook and become a fan {like us} of The Savvy Photographer. For another entry visit MCP on Facebook and "like"them. Then head on over to twitter and spread the word about the giveaway... follow the Savvy and retweet our tweet and make sure you follow MCP on twitter! Then come back and leave your comments!

The contest ends May 7, 2010 at 7am eastern~ the winner will be announced at 8am eastern.

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Also make sure you come back tomorrow to hear about the fabulous gifts you can win for Mother's Day {thousands of dollars worth of gifts} right here on the Savvy blog!