I’ve got lots of skills (nunchuck skills, computer hacking skills, etc), but one skill I’m severely lacking is image editing. I’m really, really bad at Photoshop.

So, when I learned that Mac software developer and design firm Iconfactory had released Flare,a new image processing app, I was downright excited. In the time since I installed Flare, it has quickly become one of my favorite things.

In addition to being able to do all sorts of standard photo edits within Flare, the app ships with dozens of built-in presets (their equivalent to Photoshop Actions) which allow you to easily apply all kinds of slick edits and effects to your photos.

You can create your own custom presets or download more from the presets section of the Flare homepage for free.

The most popular Mac blogs have already written some terrific reviews about Flare, so I’ll refer to you TUAW, Mac.Appstorm, and MacStories if you’re looking for a comprehensive write up. Rather than tell you what Flare can do for your photos let me just show you.

All images below are from my flickr.

Old Spanish Fort at the Bahía de Juan Griego, Margarita Island, Nueva Esparta, Venezuela

Processed with Flare using the Old View preset.

La Portada, symbol of “El Norte” near Antofagasta, Chilé

Processed with Flare using the Postcard preset.

Chilean Alpaca Shepherd near Laguna Chaxa, Chilé

Processed with Flare using the Dusty Film preset.

Flamingos Natural Reserve at Salar de Atacama, Laguna Chaxa, Chilé

Processed with Flare using the 35 mm Molga Color preset.

Valle de la Luna (Valley of the Moon), San Pedro de Atacama, Chilé at sunset

Processed with Flare using the Warm preset.

Mai Khao Beach, Phuket, Thailand

Processed with Flare using the LOHO preset.

Chalong Temple, Phuket, Thailand

Processed with Flare using the Brownie preset.

Phi Phi Islands off the coast of Phuket, Thailand

Processed with Flare using the Shoebox preset.

Private Beach at JW Marriott, Phuket, Thailand

Processed with Flare using the Mesochrome 160 preset.

The Spot, Carpinteria State Beach, CA

Processed with Flare using the Molga preset.

Salt Lake City Temple

Processed with Flare using the Driftwood preset.

Maxwell Hawker Centre, Singapore

Processed with Flare using the B5-1 preset.

Flare is currently available both from the Flare homepage and the Mac App Store for about $20. If you’re looking for a quick way to add slick effects to your photos it’s a steal.

If you decide to purchase Flare be sure to join the Made with Flare Flickr Group. It’s a great way to find inspiration as well as to showcase your own favorite creations. I also found 50 more Flare presets courtesy of group member Torley.

What apps or techniques do you use to take your photos to the next level? Sound off in the comments below.