Our 2nd MCP Project 12 theme is:

*** LOVE ***

We also have an alternate theme, if you want to do two this month or just prefer this theme: Leap

Below is my example image. Taken specifically for this theme.  I was inspired to write a little poem with it… Feeling sappy I guess.

Photo and Words by Jodi Friedman, MCP Actions

A few words about MCP Project 12:

Project 12 gives photographers the opportunity to take more photos, be creative and have fun. Hobbyist and professional photographers can join us by capturing images based on our monthly themes and share with the MCP community.

At the beginning of each month, for the next 12 months, we will introduce a theme on our blog. You will have up to a month to brainstorm, develop your ideas, and take your photos. If you prefer a weekly challenge, like Project 52, challenge yourself to use the theme in multiple ways.  You may upload up to four images per month.

To learn more details about Project 12, please visit the P12 Home Page.

Check back on the last day of February to see some featured images and get even more photo inspiration.

How to participate:

• Enter a comment on the P12 Home Page Here and let us know you will be joining in. You can participate every month or just a few.
• On each monthly Project 12 Blog post, this being the one for February, there will be a linky tool to submit your photo. Photos can be linked back to your Blog, Flickr or other photo hosting site.
• Please read the Guidelines before starting.
• You can see all photos on the blog post at the first of each month on the Linky Tools. Just click on the thumbnail images. You are welcome to leave a quick note or “like” for the photographer too, but unless they ask for critique, keep it simple.
• While you work on your images, you are welcome to post photos to the MCP Facebook Wall and ask for advice and feedback from MCP fans. Alternatively you can post to the comment section of this Blog post with your photo(s) and ask for ideas, critique, etc from participants.  The most important way to grow your photography skills is to practice, practice, practice.  Now is your chance.

<<< Learn how to add your images here. >>>

Your images will show in this grid once you upload them.

<<< Get a MCP Project 12 banner for your blog. >>>

If there is something we did not cover above or on the Project 12 Home Page, please leave a comment in the “comment section.”  If your question is personal, you can also send an email at: mcpproject12@gmail.com.

We want to thank our corporate sponsors for MCP Project 12, Tamron USA and MCP Actions.

If your company wants to take part in sponsoring MCP Project 12, please contact Jodi at jodi@mcpactions.com.

With all of the Facebook changes recently, it’s hard to keep up and it can cause major headaches for photographers. Facebook’s most recent change is the “Timeline.”  If you do not have it yet, you will soon.   Use our new FREE Facebook Timeline Cover Templates and you will never struggle with what to place at the top.

We’ve created seven unique, fully-customizable Photoshop Timeline Cover Templates. Photographers can use these templates to display pictures on their personal page, blog, or elsewhere on the web.

They are easy to use.  Just pick your picture(s), adjust the size and BAM! You have a timeline cover that all your friends will envy.  In addition to learning how to use them, our video tutorial teaches you how to make your own Timeline Cover Templates, using the included blank template.

Visit our website or Facebook Page to download the FREE Facebook Timeline Cover Templates and start decorating your personal Facebook Page. Have fun and make sure to share your creations on the MCP Facebook Page Wall.

* Our standard terms of use apply.  Please read these prior to downloading from our cart.
** Disclaimer: When you upload a cover to Facebook, it will not be as crisp as in Photoshop. Facebook heavily compresses all Timeline Covers, not just ours,  in an unfavorable way. If we find a way to avoid this, we will make sure to let you know.

Two Opening Template

Polaroid Style Opening Frame Template

Four Opening Film Timeline Cover Template

Nine Opening Timeline Cover Template

One Opening Plus Background Template

Three Opening Template

Speech Bubble Template - Just Add Words or a Photo

Enter the MCP Actions 2012 “Snag a Canon or Nikon Camera Giveaway,” sponsored by PunchTab, the world’s first instant online loyalty and rewards platform!

The winner picks between a Canon 5D MKII + 85 1.8 lens OR a Nikon D700 (Body Only).

Entering is easy!

1. Just sign up, in the entry box, with your email address and join the giveaway. This is the only step you need to do to qualify. Double check that there are no typos as this is how we will contact the winner too.
2. Earn additional entries for tweeting, sharing and liking MCP Actions. Just follow the steps in the box to earn more chances!
3. Continue to spread the word for the duration of the giveaway, on social networking sites, forums and your Blog because you’ll receive one entry for every person who clicks on the links you’ve shared,and five entries if they join the giveaway. The “punchtab.com url” or “bit.ly link” shown is unique to you. Save it for the full month and use it whenever you want to increase your chances.

Here is an example of where to find the link for number 3:

You can come back to our blog post any time to see how many entries you have accumulated.

Bonus Prize: Enter to win a $100.00 Amazon Gift Certificate.

• To sweeten the deal even more, we have this second prize for those who share on Pinterest, Stumble Upon, or in Blog post.    Spread the word on one of those two social networking sites or your blog, then come back and add a comment on our blog post telling us which of the three you did.  This entry does not enter you in or increase your chances of winning the camera giveaway, so make sure to do 1-3 as well

By entering via email, MCP Actions may use this address to contact you in the future through our mailing list and… Hopefully to say “you’re the winner!” But don’t worry, we’re anti-spam and won’t share your address with anyone else.

It’s that easy! This giveaway ends February 19 and the winner will be announced on February 21 on the MCP Blog.

While you’re visiting MCP, please check out our Photoshop Actions, Lightroom Presets, and our photo inspiration challenge: MCP Project 12.

If you are directly on the blog and do not see the “entry box” it just means too many are entering at the same time or Punchtab’s server is busy. Just check back in a few hours – the contest runs until 2/19.

During the contest duration grab your “unique URL for sharing.” It will start with a bit.ly or punchtab URL. If you do not see it, re-enter your email.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: To check the number of entries you have, re-enter your name and email address. This will NOT re-enter you so no worries. If you have any issues, contact angela@punchtab.com.

TROUBLESHOOTING: If you have questions about entering or need troubleshooting, please email angela@punchtab.com and reference the “MCP Actions Camera Giveaway.” Make sure to give her details and screen shots so she can assist you.

Thank you and GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

ENTER TO WIN Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3

The Prize: Lightroom 3

• Already have Lightroom?  This prize package makes the perfect gift for a photographer friend or relative
• Remember to download our free Lightroom Presets – Mini Quick Clicks to try them out!
• Yes, it is true that Lightroom 4 is on the horizon.  They just released the Public Beta today. Download it here. By having Lightroom 3, assuming Adobe follows it’s past upgrade paths, you will be able to get the new version for a fraction of buying LR4 once released. Plus it is likely at least a few months off (just guessing). We just downloaded the Lightroom 4 Beta.  It looks great.  We are excited about the new features and in the next few months will be creating a LR4 Version of Quick Clicks using these new features.  Our current presets work in Lightroom 2 or 3, or in the Process Version 2010 in Lightroom 4 Beta.
  

Contest Rules:The winner will be picked Wednesday night, 1/11/12 via random drawing and announced on MCP Blog (it will be added to this post so check back).  The prize will be sent out within 5 business days. Winner must watch our blog and contact us to redeem prize at jodi@mcpactions.com within 2 days of the announcement.  Odds are winning are 1/# of entries. Valid only where permitted by law. If the winner is outside the United States, they are responsible for shipping costs and any imposed taxes and tariffs.

To Enter:

Add a comment to our blog, not on Facebook, answering:

1. Just add a comment and tell us what you like most about the MCP Actions Blog.
2. Subscribe to my Facebook Feed here (I can’t accept more friends due to the 5k limit) but you can “subscribe.” It looks like this: . This is different than following us on our Facebook Page.

Do you really want to win? Here are ways you can get additional entries:

• Spread the word about MCP Actions products, contest, or blog. Do this on social networking sites, your blog, or photo forums, as permitted. Just leave a comment and tell us where you shared about us. For ease, use the Share Links for Facebook, Twitter, Stumble Upon, and more. You may also post about our contest to Pintrest or Google Plus. One extra comment/entry per item.
• Add the MCP Actions Banner or a text link to MCP’s site on your blog (code can be found on the sidebar of our blog). Then come back and tell us you did.
• Subscribe to our blog RSS feed for the 1st time – see the orange icon at the top right of our blog. If you add it today, leave a comment letting us know.

 

---

And the winner is: Entry 1026 – Amy Woodell – CONGRATULATIONS!

Super quick contest – who wants to play?

I am in the mood to do something nice.  I am eating healthier (cooking and watching what I eat) and exercising a lot (spinning class) – and I just am feeling good. The better my mood, the more giving I feel.  I’ve never done contests for our online classes, but there’s always a time to start. If, by the way, you are not interested in a class, later this month we will give away Lightroom 3 and start a contest for a choice of a Canon 5D MKII or Nikon D700.  So keep an eye out so you do not miss out!

Prize:

• To attend Wednesday’s Beginner’s Bootcamp Class for Photoshop.  It takes place at 10 A.M. to Noon eastern time, Wednesday, January 11th, 2012. Make sure when you are asked for your email in the comment section, that you do not have typos, as this is how we will contact you.  We will also add the winner’s name to this post when picked Tuesday night (the 10th) so make sure to check back so you do not miss class.

Rules:

• If you know you want to attend you, regardless of your contest status, you can purchase and reserve your spot in class now.  If you are chosen, and you already paid, you can apply the money toward something else on our site.
• This prize is ONLY good for Wednesday’s Beginner Class (unless you are already attending – see last comment). It cannot be applied to another date/time or a different class.
• This prize is not transferable.  Make sure to let your photographer friends know if you are unable to enter due to a scheduling conflict. You know the whole Karma thing – if you do nice things for others, you will get it back in return…
• This class teaches how to use Photoshop CS2, CS3, CS4 and CS5+.  We do have classes for Lightroom and Elements – see our site for details.

How to Enter:

1. Just add a comment and tell us one thing you want to learn how to do in Photoshop.
2. For a bonus entry tweet or post to your Facebook about this giveaway. Come back and leave a comment letting us know you did.
3. For one more bonus entry, subscribe to my Facebook Feed here (I can’t accept more friends due to the 5k limit) but you can “subscribe.” It looks like this:

Good luck and remember to check back and see if you won since the class is 1st thing in the AM on Wednesday, eastern time.

Jodi

 

And the winner is… Tracy Nelson – #223. We had to pick a new winner as Tracy only had Elements and this is for the full Photoshop class.

The new winner is: Holly Spencer – #407.

Thank you – see you in training tomorrow.  I have emailed you as well.

I hope to see some of the rest of you in future trainings, or tomorrow, if you wish to sign up this evening.

Our 1st MCP Project 12 theme is:

*** Resolution ***

The word resolution can mean many things.  These theme “resolution” can involve the obvious New Year’s Resolution, as shown in my sample image or something far more complex.  Look for definitions online to help you brainstorm your theme.

Here are a few of the many definitions:

• the act of resolving
• the measurement of detail by a sensor of a camera
• a judgement, verdict, or outcome
• determination

Photo disclaimer: I quickly took the photo above while preparing this post.  We hope you will take time to be far more creative and artistic than a snapshot of a scale.  We are excited to see how you interpret this theme.

A few words about MCP Project 12:

Project 12 gives photographers the opportunity to take more photos, be creative and have fun. Hobbyist and professional photographers can join us by capturing images based on our monthly themes and share with the MCP community.

At the beginning of each month, for the next 12 months, we will introduce a theme on our blog. You will have up to a month to brainstorm, develop your ideas, and take your photos. If you prefer a weekly challenge, like Project 52, challenge yourself to use the theme in multiple ways.  You may upload up to four images per month.

To learn more details about Project 12, please visit the P12 Home Page.

Check back on the last day of January to see some featured images and get even more photo inspiration.

How to participate:

• Enter a comment on the P12 Home Page Here and let us know you will be joining in. You can participate every month or just a few.
• On each monthly Project 12 Blog post, this being the one for January, there will be a linky tool to submit your photo. Photos can be linked back to your Blog, Flickr or other photo hosting site.
• Please read the Guidelines before starting.
• You can see all photos on the blog post at the first of each month on the Linky Tools. Just click on the thumbnail images. You are welcome to leave a quick note or “like” for the photographer too, but unless they ask for critique, keep it simple.
• While you work on your images, you are welcome to post photos to the MCP Facebook Wall and ask for advice and feedback from MCP fans. Alternatively you can post to the comment section of this Blog post with your photo(s) and ask for ideas, critique, etc from participants.  The most important way to grow your photography skills is to practice, practice, practice.  Now is your chance.

<<< Learn how to add your images here. >>>

Your images will show in this grid once you upload them. See our test image, the scale, to see how it works and looks:

<<< Get a MCP Project 12 banner for your blog. >>>

If there is something we did not cover above or on the Project 12 Home Page, please leave a comment in the “comment section.”  If your question is personal, you can also send an email at: mcpproject12@gmail.com.

We want to thank our corporate sponsors for MCP Project 12, Tamron USA and MCP Actions.

If your company wants to take part in sponsoring MCP Project 12, please contact Jodi at jodi@mcpactions.com.

For 2012, we want you to grow as a photographer. We are transitioning from MCP Project 52 (from 2011) to MCP Project 12 for (for 2012). We will not be using the Project 52 Flickr Group going forward and are moving it into archive mode.

What is MCP Project 12?

MCP Project 12 gives photographers the opportunity to take more photos, be creative and have fun. Hobbyist and professional photographers can join us by capturing images based on our monthly themes and share with the MCP community.

At the beginning of each month, for the next 12 months, we will introduce a theme on our blog. You will have up to a month to brainstorm, develop your ideas, and take your photos. If you prefer a weekly challenge, like Project 52, challenge yourself to use the theme in multiple ways.  You may upload up to four images per month.

Where are the themes listed?

The monthly theme will be listed in two places.

• On the MCP Project 12 Home Page. (That’s where you are right now.) Bookmark this page in your browser as the “Home Page for Project 12.”  We will add the new theme to the list each month.  We will also link the month to the new blog post where you enter your photos.
• On the 1st of every month we will introduce a new theme (for January it will be on the 2nd). This post will be under the category “MCP Project 12.” You will enter your image(s) on the monthly posts.

Themes:

January 2012: Theme – RESOLUTION ~ Visit Archived Photos from Month One

February 2012: Theme: Love (Alternate Theme: Leap) – Participate Here Starting 2/1/12

 

How to participate:

• Enter a comment on this post and let us know you will be joining in. You can participate every month or just a few. Join in at the beginning or start later in the year.
• On each monthly Project 12 Blog post, there will be a linky tool to submit your photo. Photos can be linked back to your Blog, Flickr or other photo hosting site.

<<< Learn how to add your images here. >>>

The guidelines:

We plan to keep things as relaxed as we can for 2012. To help things run smoothly, here are some “rules.”

• Photos need to be taken in the month you are participating. Do not use old photos which happen to work well for a topic.
• Unlike 2011, all photos must fit the theme for the specific month. Be creative and interpret the theme as you wish but make sure it was taken for the theme.
• As of now, we are not limiting the amount of images, as long as they fit the guidelines. This could change. Ideally we would like to see one to four photos per photographer each month. If you want to share more, and each is unique, you may upload these too.
• Collages of multiple images are welcome if all photos fit the theme or tell a story related to it. You are welcome to use tools like our Blog It Boards to display these.
• We would love you to edit the photos in Lightroom, Photoshop or Elements using MCP’s actions or presets. This is not a requirement.  We welcome your photos whether edited or not.
• No pornography, nudity, violence or any content deemed illegal by the United States Government. MCP Actions and its designees reserve the right to remove any photo or photos deemed objectionable.
• Images must be taken by you (in other words – you must own the copyright)
• By uploading to our project, you maintain copyright but give us permission to use the photo on our Blog/Facebook, in the context of Project 12.  If we want to use a photo for anything else, we will contact you and get your permission in writing. Please consider watermarking and branding your photos using tools like our Finish It action set or Free Facebook Fix Photoshop actions (which can be used for photos anywhere on the web).
• We will not sell our mailing list, but will extract emails from Linky submissions and the comment section of Project 12 posts to communicate with participants, send reminders, etc.  If you no longer wish to receive them, you can unsubscribe at any time.

How can we see other photographer’s images?

• You can see all photos on the blog post at the first of each month on the Linky Tools. Just click on the thumbnail images. You are welcome to leave a quick note or “like” for the photographer too, but unless they ask for critique, keep it simple.
• On the last day of every month, we will have a special post from one of our team leaders and possibly an occasional surprise guest. We will share a few of the many photos that spoke to us, moved us, or impressed us in some way. We cannot feature everyone’s images, but we’ll share a small selection of inspirational photos with all of you. We may do additional posts during the month featuring an image – or might mention your photo on the MCP Facebook Page. Watch for these.

How can I get feedback on my photos before I upload them for submission in MCP Project 12?

While you work on your images, you are welcome to post photos to the MCP Facebook Wall and ask for advice and feedback from MCP fans. Alternatively you can post to the comment section of monthly blog post with your photo(s) and ask for ideas, critique, etc from participants.  The

How can I contact you with my questions about MCP Project 12?

If there is something we did not cover above, please leave a comment in the “comment section.”  If your question is personal, you can also send an email at: mcpproject12@gmail.com.

most important way to grow your photography skills is to practice, practice, practice.  Now is your chance.

We want to thank our corporate sponsors for MCP Project 12, Tamron USA and MCP Actions.

If your company wants to take part in sponsoring MCP Project 12, please contact Jodi at jodi@mcpactions.com.

Happy Holidays! This thread was written and selected in advance due to the fact that a lot of us are celebrating/taking time to spend with our families. The top 10 for this week were chosen based on a thread on Flickr where participants were able to nominate others and share their favorite photo from this year’s fun.

Here are the top 10 photos that you nominated/chose as your favorites.

Lazy {Double L Photo}

“I love the colors and tone of the photo…along with the beach! I thought it fit the theme “lazy” really well! ”

Too see myself as others see me… {Shananna83}

“This is my favorite of mine: How others see me on week 15. I had a hard time that week figuring out how to photograph this theme. but this is what i came up with and this ended up being one of the 10 picked at the end of that week. ”

Princess… for a day… honoring earth day {Moopiecow}

“Hard to choose one, but have loved this from the start! Princess for a day.”

Water {Andrewfierro}

“This is my favorite in the group. I love the color and the perfection of the single drop of water.”

Enchanted Reading {Jen Foster Photo}

“I love this photo of my son reading in the fog. I think it fit the Enchantment theme from week 23 perfectly.”

Princess for a day {Kari’s World}

“I love this photo from Karisworld for the princess for a day week. I like the focus and depth…and that cupcake looks so good! ”

Just for Fun {Fur Will Fly}

“I chose this one because it makes me smile and I start imagining what the rubber duck might be thinking while watching the ‘real’ ducks on the water!!”

Need for Speed {KathrynDJI}

“This was my favorite due to the lighting, the muted tones, and the meaning this project had for me. ”

First Day of Kindergarten {Jen Foster Photo}

Nature’s Finest {Puttknob Photography}

Next week’s featured photos have already been selected from a thread on flickr located here. ONLY ONE MORE WEEK TO GO! YAY! We made it!

Be sure to stay tuned because BIG THINGS ARE COMING FOR next year’s MCP Project! Lots of details in the very near future. We can’t wait to share!

This weeks’ photos and post were selected and written by Haleigh Rohner, owner of Haleigh Rohner Photography {website/blog/facebook} and Fanciful Frames {website/blog/facebook}. It has been such a treat to help in browsing/modding/selecting featured photos throughout this year. You all have truly inspired me! Thanks for a great year!

My twins turn 10 tomorrow, 12/19.  They picked the numbers of the times they were born to pick the winners.  3:56 and 3:57.

The winners of the Shootsac and Tote & Shoot are:

SHOOTSAC WITH BAROQUE COVER: Comment number 356 – Cassandra C.

TOTE & SHOOT: Comment number 357 – Adelayda

PROMO CODE for all: Everyone gets $25 off a $75+ purchase at Shootsac by using the discount code: MCPSSTS11. Code expires 12/31/2011.

Every hobbyist and professional photographer with a d-SLR needs a way to carry his or her gear. Whether you want a bag to hold your lenses and flash or you want a camera bag that holds even more, our giveaway this week has you covered!

Two winners will be chosen – one will win Shootsac’s new product, the Tote & Shoot. The other will win the lens bag that started it all, the Shootsac + one cover.

Enter now. Here’s how…

The Prize:

• Prize 1: Tote & Shoot in your choice of colors, subject to availability.
• Prize 2: Shootsac Lens Bag with your choice of one cover, subject to availability.
• PROMO CODE for all: Everyone gets $25 off a $75+ purchase at Shootsac by using the discount code: MCPSSTS11. Code expires 12/31/2011. Order by 12/14/11 to ensure delivery by Christmas of all in stock products.

To Enter:

Add your comments on our blog post (not on our Facebook Wall/Notes section – these will NOT count)

For your main entry, reply to the questions below:

• Visit the Shootsac website and check out both products – then come back here and indicate which of the two bags you would prefer to win (the Tote & Shoot or the Shootsac)? If you pick the Tote & Shoot, indicate which color you would want?  If you pick the Shootsac, tell us which pattern cover you would pick?  
• “Like” MCP Actions on Facebook unless you don’t use Facebook (go here to “like us” if you have not prior).
• Subscribe to out “public” updates via Facebook. See top of our blog for the subscribe button.

Increase your odds of winning. Do any or all of these extra credit items (add a comment/extra entry for each):

1. Upload a photo on the MCP Actions Facebook Wall that you edited using MCP’s Photoshop actions or Lightroom Presets (they can be the free ones if you haven’t bought any yet). Tell us what actions or presets you used.  Please do NOT write that the photo is for extra credit on our wall.  To get credit for this, come back to our blog and just comment that you added a photo.
2. Spread the word about MCP Actions products, contest, or blog. Do this on social networking sites, your blog, or photo forums, as permitted. Comment and us know where you shared. For ease, use the Share Links for Facebook, Twitter, Pintrest, Google Plus, Stumble Upon, and more. One extra comment/entry per place shared.
3. Add on your blog one of the following: MCP Actions Banner (html code on the sidebar of our blog) OR or a text link to our website (something like “MCP Photoshop Actions” or “MCP Lightroom Presets”)
4. Subscribe to our blog RSS feed for the 1st time – see the orange icon at the top right of our blog. If you add it today, leave a comment letting us know.

Contest Rules:

This contest is sponsored by Shootsac and MCP Actions. It is open to participants only where permitted by law.

Winner will be picked via random drawing on the evening of Sunday, December 18th and announced on the MCP Blog. Winners will also be contacted by email. If we receive the winners’ mailing addresses by the morning of Monday, Dec. 19th, and you are in the United States, Shootsac will do their best to deliver by Christmas. If we hear back past that time or your are outside the US, delivery will most likely occur after Christmas.  Odds are winning are 1/# of entries. Increase your odds by participating in our extra credit items.

Here are a few images of the new tote and shoot:

And the original lens bag – the Shootsac: