Wednesday, May 5, 2010

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.

***

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!



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388 comments:

  1. What a great interview with Jodi! I'd definitely get the "Finish It" set.

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  2. I've been eyeing the Magic Print It Storyboard set for a long time. Really would love to get it to cut down on some design workflow. Love Jodi's work. Thanks for sharing more with us!

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  3. I'm a FB fan of MCP Actions!

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  4. I'm a FB fan of Savvy Photographer!

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  5. I'm a fan of Savvy Photographer on facebook.

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  6. Would love the Bag of Tricks Photoshop Actions!!

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  7. I'm a Fan of The Savvy Photographer!!!

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  8. I'm a fan of MCP Actions on facebook.

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  9. Whoa! First comment...is that a good thing? :) Anyway...I would love the bag of tricks actions. They look amazing!

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  10. I would love the Complete Workflow Photoshop Actions!!! I LOVE color & I love Jodi's style!!!

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  11. I just "liked" MCP on facebook!

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  12. Alright...entry number two...I am a fan on facebook!

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  13. I'm now an MCP follower on twitter

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  14. I would LOVE to win the "Bag of Tricks" Photoshop Actions! That would be such a wonderful tool to have. Thank you Jodi and Savvy for the opportunity to win!

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  15. I retweeted your tweet about the Savvy give away!
    http://twitter.com/edwardlover05

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  16. I'm already a fan of Savvy!

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  17. I would choose Bag of Tricks! I love MCP!

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  18. Since I own just about every action set Jodi makes, I would probably pick the Magic Print It Board Storyboard set.

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  19. Why am I the first to comment? Am I in the right place for this?

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  20. I am a Savvy facebook fan! This is my favorite place!! :)

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  21. Tweet tweet! Spread the word on twitter.

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  22. I'm now a fan of MCP on facebook!

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  23. If I win, I would LOVE the Bag of Tricks Set!

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  24. I looked at the actions - i would love to try several of them. I would pick All In The Details to start with. Then the vintage actions.
    Thank you for such an interesting giveaway opportunity.

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  25. I follow The Savvy Photographer on Twitter!
    @msstephni

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  26. I follow MCP On Twitter!
    @msstephni

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  27. Im a fan of/like The Savvy Photographer on Facebook :)
    (sthrnbella)

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  28. I am a fan of/like MCP on Facebook !
    (sthrnbella)

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  29. I love Jodi's actions!! I am a FB Fan.

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  30. Jodi's actions were the first I ever bought. And her training is great! I've been eyeing that "bag of tricks" for a while. Pick me :-)

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  31. And I am a fan of MCP actions on Facebook!

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  32. I am a fan of Savvy on Facebook.

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  33. I'm torn between Complete Workflow for Actions or Finish It for actions... the possibilities are endless!

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  34. I'm a fan of Savvy Photographer on FB.

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  35. WOW!!! This is a great giveaway. I'd want the Bag of Tricks Action set. (Aimee Boatwright Stiggins - AimeeStiggins@gmail.com)

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  36. I'm a fan of MCP Actions on FB. http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1060855335#!/profile.php?id=1060855335&v=wall

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  37. Hi, I already have some of the brilliant MCP Actions, but I have the good fortune to win I would love the 'All in the Details' Set.

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  38. I have and use the Quickie Collection and LOVE it! I've been dying to try the Bag of Tricks set...fingers and toes crossed!

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  39. Following Savvy & MCP on twitter and retweeted -
    @susanpeckphoto

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  40. I would pick "Bag of Tricks" ...love Jodi's actions!

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  41. I am also already a fan of MCP on FB :D

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  42. I am already a fan of Savvy on FB :D

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  43. I am now a fan of MCP actions on facebook and on twitter!!

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  44. I am already The Savvy Photographers fan on facebook and on twitter!

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  45. I would love to have Magic skin Retouching Photoshop action OR All in the Details Photoshop action in my collections... they are all wonderful!

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  46. I've been eyeballing the Bag of Tricks for some time now!

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  47. I'd like to have the complete workflow for elements 8.

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  48. bag of tricks is the one I want!

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  49. I just purchased the Magic Print Story boards last week, and I LOVE them!! They are so easy to use and my clients love them. I've already sold 7 since I started using them!

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  50. I'm diggin the bag of tricks!!

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  51. I now "like" MCP on facebook :)

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  52. I don't know what I would pick. They are all great! Maybe Bag of Tricks, but then I love the complete workflow & the Finishers too!

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  53. I am already fans of both b/c i love yall! and I would love to get either the complete workflow or the magic skin actions.

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  54. I like, no LOVE the Savvy Photographer on Facebook!

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  55. I have no idea where to start....I want them all! I now "like" MCP on facebook! Thanks for this great giveaway!

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  56. I ALSO like, wait, LOVE MCP Actions on Facebook!

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  57. I would really love the Bag of Tricks photoshop actions!

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  58. I'm a fan of MCP and Savvy Photographer on FB. I don't think I could choose just one set of actions. They all look so cool!!

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  59. I'd pick the Quickie Collection!

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  60. Already a fan of both on FB and Twitter. :)

    Off to Tweet!

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  61. I'd love the Finish it set, but any of them really. :)

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  62. Here is my Twitter...where I RT the contest info.

    http://twitter.com/TRitter429

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  63. I am a FB fan of the Savvy Photographer.

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  64. I have always been a FB fan of MCP as well. Jodi rocks.

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  65. I would get eye doctor and dentist.

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  66. Ooh, I'm loving the Finish It set!!

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  67. I'm a fan of Savvy Photographer.

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  68. Newly a fan of MCP Actions on fb! Not sure how I had missed that before!

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  69. Sent a tweet about the giveaway.

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  70. Following The Savvy Photographer on twitter...

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  71. I'm a fan {like} of MCP Actions and LOVE the sets I have.

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  72. Following MCP Actions on twitter!!

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  73. I'm a Twitter follower of Savvy & MCP

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  74. http://twitter.com/TammyLynMiller

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  75. Lovely interview! I need Bag of Tricks!

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  76. http://twitter.com/MyBellePhotog

    Tweet

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  77. Just Tweeted about the giveaway:
    http://twitter.com/JustFlossing

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  78. I am a fan of MCP Actions on Facebook as well.

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  79. Fan of Savvy Photographer on FB!

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  80. I'm a fan of Savvy Photographer on Facebook

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  81. I would love to have the Quickie Collection @MCP Actions!

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  82. i THINK i would choose the Bag of Tricks but they are all look so helpful and especially the story boards!

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  83. I am a fan of MCP Actions on FB!

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  84. I love MCP! I would go for the Finish it Actions, with Blog-it set 1 coming in a close second!

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  85. I would love to have the Finish It set from MCP!

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  86. I am a huge fan of Savvy Photographer on FB!

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  87. Quickie Collection, Bag of Tricks, or Finish It Actions!

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  88. I am now a FB liker as well!!!

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  89. Since I already have the Bag of Tricks, I would LOVE to have the Eye Doctor and Dentist set!

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  90. I'm a fan of Savvy already.

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  91. Retweeted! www.twitter.com/carolynbenik

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  92. I'm also a fan of MCP!

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  93. Following MCP Actions on twitter and would love the Bag of Tricks action!
    Christy

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  94. Became a fan of facebook! Love the Bag of Tricks actions.

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  95. I just retweeted about the giveaway!

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  96. I now follow MCP on twitter as well!

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  97. I "liked" mcpactions on FB and retweeted on @jjstubbs3. If I won, I would love Bag of Tricks

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  98. I just bought the bag of tricks - love it!
    I would choose magic skin or eye doctor.

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  99. I also follow Savvy Photographer on FB

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  100. I follow MCP on Facebook, I have and love her All in the Details. Looking at getting Bag of Tricks next.

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  101. I just got her Print It actions and love them! Next I want the Bag of Tricks!

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  102. Already an MCP fan on FB! (btw the Bag of Tricks set IS amazing!)

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  103. I'm a fan of savvy photographer. As far as winning something from MCp, it's so hard! I would love the finisher set!

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  104. Great interview! I love MCP and Charlevoix too! I'd love the Finish It set. I have a few actions sets like Bag of Tricks already and would love to add Finish It. Thanks for the chance!

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  105. Retweeted http://twitter.com/JeanineKrupp
    Thanks for the chance to win!

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  106. I would choose Bag of Tricks!!

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  107. I would love to have "Complete Workflow Photoshop Actions!"

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  108. I want the fabulous Magic Blog It Boards!Eait no the Bag of tricks,,, ah the greatness is overwhelming hahaha
    Love me some MCP and have been a fan for a while!!

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  109. I am drooling over essential actions. My next buy!

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  110. Although I would love them all, right now the Magic Blog it Boards would save me the most time and help out my blogging immensely.

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  111. I am an MCP FB fan, like , like!

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  112. Retweeted on Twitter and like you on Facebook too. If I win I would love to get the Complete Workflow Photoshop Actions. :)

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  113. Following the Savvy and retweeted!
    http://twitter.com/chrysrae

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  114. I'm a FB Savvy fan!! I'd choose The Essentials!!!

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  115. I have wanted the Bag of Tricks forever! :)

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  116. I'm a MCP fan now!! I'd choose The Essentials!!!

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  117. I would love the "Bag of Tricks" action. I've been thinking about that one for quite a while!

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  118. I would definitely get back of tricks. It's been on my wishlist for far too long. I'm already a "liker" for both MCP and Savvy!

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  119. I'm a fan of MCP actions on FB!

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  120. I follow the Savvy on Twitter!
    @kelkendall

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  121. I follow MCP on Twitter!
    @kelkendall

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  122. I love her actions! I would love to have her all in the detail set to complete my photoshop actions.

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  123. Ohhh, I'd pick the classic,"bag o ticks"
    I'm already a fan and follower- please enter me!

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  124. I would have to get the finish it set, amongst a whole bunch of others. ;)

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  125. I'm a fan of savvy on FB! :)

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  126. MCP actions are the best! I would like "Bag of Tricks" or "Magic Skin."

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  127. I'm a liker of MCP on facebook... ha ha ;)

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  128. Fan of MCP actions and The Savvy Photographer on FB!
    I would have to go with The Essentials :)

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  129. I would love the Bag of Tricks actions. They looks awesome

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  130. I would love the "Finish It" action!! I need some blog help :)

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  131. I would love a bag of tricks up my sleeve :) Thanks for the awesome opportunity...I've been drooling :)

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  132. I am a fan of Savvy on Facebook!

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  133. I'm already following MCP on twitter... does that count?

    twitter.com/dexonu5

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  134. Oh, one more! I'm a fan of MCP actions on Facebook too!!

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  135. I like Savvy Photographer & MCP Actions on Facebook

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  136. "Liking" MCP on Facebook :)

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  137. I'd LOVE the Quickie Collection! I love MCP Actions - they're wonderful!

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  138. I follow Savvy and I retweeted!

    twitter.com/dexonu5

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  139. I would love the bag of tricks!

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  140. I "like" The Savvy Photographer on Facebook!

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  141. I would pick the finish it set!

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  142. I'm a fan of Savvy Photographer on FB

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  143. I "like" MCP Actions on Facebook!

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  144. AAANNDD following MCP on Twitter! Phew!

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  145. Following TSP on Twitter and Retweeted! (http://www.twitter.com/neelysphoto)

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  146. Gosh! So hard to choose! I think it would be Bag of Tricks closely followed by All in the Details.

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  147. I would love to have the Complete Workflow set...or the Bag Of Tricks set or the Eye Dr. Set...oh, wait I want them all!! HAHA!! Thx for hosting the giveaway!

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  148. I "like" The Savvy Photographer on facebook.

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  149. I "like" mcp on facebook, wish I could love!

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  150. Fan of MCP---would love the Complete Workflow set!!!!!

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  151. I have had my heart set on the finish it action for elements 8 I have the eye doctor and dentist and use it EVERY day!

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  152. I am already a fan of Savvy on FB : )

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  153. I'm a fb fan of Savvy and I would love the bag of tricks from MCP :)

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