Fkaufman3 Loc: Florida, LA ie lower Alabama

MFA degree equivalent to PhD that sounds odd, my son has the same degree and is associate professor and department head at major university. So I question this author’s background as well.

Merlin1300 Loc: New England, But Now & Forever SoTX

Hey Timmers. I appreciate your work, and it stands for what it is. BUT a Masters degree is a Masters degree. It is NOT equivalent to a PhD. If you wish to claim credentials equivalent to a PhD, please post your thesis, dissertation, and the results of your defense.
For MY Masters in Electrical Engineering, I produced a paper on linked non-linear resonant circuits.
Fortunately, no defense was required.
While I do have an MD (Doctor of Medicine), it is not equivalent to an MD, PhD.
While your comments have value, overstating your credentials do you disservice.
-
PS - I hope your recovery is going well, and Vada and friends will reappear soon.

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"...I question this author’s background as well."
We are on the same page here Fkaufman3...

His inferences are likely synonymous of an aging child suffering from untreated Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Sadly this is one of the least likely neurosis to find resolve owing to attitude issues on the part of the afflicted.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556001/

However rather than reading though the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM–5) Duke Health has an excellent lay person guide and explanation
https://www.dukehealth.org/blog/9-signs-of-narcissistic-personality-disorder

They use the acronym “SPECIAL ME” to remember the nine signs of NPD (Narcissistic Personality Disorder).

SPECIAL ME

Sense of self-importance
Preoccupation with power, beauty, or success
Entitled
Can only be around people who are important or special
Inter-personally exploitative for their own gain
Arrogant
Lack empathy
Must be admired
Envious of others or believe that others are envious of them

After reviewing other post by the aforementioned this becomes painfully obvious...
Sadly none of the posted work contained within comes even close to an accepted level of "commercial quality"

Best to ignore and move on here...
Or please do attempt to keep on point and thoughtfully address the OP's initial query

Wishing you a calm, tranquil weekend Fkaufman3

jamesl Loc: Pennsylvania

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

I think he means MFA is the top degree in Fine Arts.

Merlin1300 Loc: New England, But Now & Forever SoTX

Still not equivalent to a PhD

NWMT Loc: MT

Quick note about Timmers and his MFA: For years, the MFA was the terminal degree in the academic field of Fine Arts and was considered the equivalent of a PhD in other academic fields. More recently, some schools are now offering the DFA (doctorate) degree, but this is not common.

Merlin1300 Loc: New England, But Now & Forever SoTX

I see Timmers had "chaired the Department of Photography at the Southwest Craft Center that later became the Southwest School of Art (now under the University of Texas at San Antonio)" in a professional role - and if so, the MFA may well have been accepted in that regard. I appreciate the insights.

Tstplt Loc: Northwest Arkansas

Ellen,
I am truely sorry for all the anti-quest you have had to experience. Here is what I would suggest you do...

1. Start photographing anyone you can. Do not mention nudes or boudior until you really get to know someone. Start taking portraits of your friends, co-workers, etc. Make prints for all of those you shoot. Let them know that you are studying and trying to establish your "style".

2. After you have gotten to know some people who like your work, get to know them on a personal level. Offer to take more of them. If you have lighting equipment, offer to photograph them in your apartment or theirs. When you are both more comfortable with each other, you might suggest something a little different. Don't push. Let them suggest things like a bare sholder or a hint of underware.

3. Let them ask. You might say that you had thought about going further but didn't know who to do it with. Let them suggest. You did not mention if you were interested in male of female nudes. Being female, it might be easier to start with women you know (age is not a factor, nor is sexual orientation). Men wanting to photograph women nude are initially considered perverts. Women wanting to photograph men can be considered agressive. Take your time and let your subjects get to know you.

Shoot lots and print for quality. Let us know how you do.

Rick

Tstplt Loc: Northwest Arkansas

Ellen,
I am truely sorry for all the anti-quest you have had to experience. Here is what I would suggest you do...

1. Start photographing anyone you can. Do not mention nudes or boudior until you really get to know someone. Start taking portraits of your friends, co-workers, etc. Make prints for all of those you shoot. Let them know that you are studying and trying to establish your "style".

2. After you have gotten to know some people who like your work, get to know them on a personal level. Offer to take more of them. If you have lighting equipment, offer to photograph them in your apartment or theirs. When you are both more comfortable with each other, you might suggest something a little different. Don't push. Let them suggest things like a bare sholder or a hint of underware.

3. Let them ask. You might say that you had thought about going further but didn't know who to do it with. Let them suggest. You did not mention if you were interested in male of female nudes. Being female, it might be easier to start with women you know (age is not a factor, nor is sexual orientation). Men wanting to photograph women nude are initially considered perverts. Women wanting to photograph men can be considered agressive. Take your time and let your subjects get to know you.

Shoot lots and print for quality. Let us know how you do.

Rick