Photo-editing actions are typically associated with the use of Photoshop. They are a set of filters or other photo modifiers that are contained in a single file. Once it is installed on a computer, the action can be applied to an active image in Photoshop automatically.

Photo-editing presets are essentially the same as actions, but are typically used with Lightroom.

Photoshop actions and Lightroom presets are obvious timesavers, since the dozens of editing steps you might select and apply manually occur with one click.

PhotographyTalk.com recommends the Photoshop Actions and Lightroom Presets from MCP Actions. Its Photoshop Actions are compatible with Photoshop CS2, CS3, CS4 and CS5, as well as Photoshop Elements PSE 5 through 10. MCP Actions’ Lightroom Presets work with Lightroom 2 and 3 and also ACR for Photoshop CS2 through CS5.

Visit the following Web pages for information about five of MCP Actions’ most popular Actions and Presets.

1. Photoshop Actions, with its 21 color workflow actions, 8 black-and-white workflow actions, 7 exposure-adjusting actions, 13 special effects enhancers and 7 contrast and sharpening actions. For more information, visit http://www.mcpactions.com/fusion-actions.html.

As one photographer commented, "If One Click Color were the only action in the set, it would be worth every penny. It works on every image, every time and is so good; you really could call your image done after just one click. It's amazing."

2. Photoshop Actions is a magical set of more than 25 tools, from adding a fake sky to making your subjects look thinner. For more information, visit http://www.mcpactions.com/bagoftricks.html.

3. Photoshop Actions is also a favorite package of many photographers. It allows you to manipulate contrast, texture and color quickly, and with little effort, to create more dramatic and interesting images. For more information, visit http://www.mcpactions.com/all-in-the-details-all.html.

4. : Photoshop Actions Package helps portrait photographer give their clients superior images that generate repeat and referral business. For more information, visit http://www.mcpactions.com/incredible-retouching-package-all.html.

5. MCP Actions also offers many sets of Storyboards & Template Photoshop Actions. Whether you need a killer visual presentation for an important client meeting or want to add borders or other enhancements, you’ll find all the details at http://www.mcpactions.com/actions/storyboards-templates.html.

MCP Actions also offers a series of online training courses, including one-on-one and group sessions, and free video tutorials on its Web site at mcpactions.com.

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