Ever had one of those people that you meet in your life that you just know you click. Like you could randomly call them or email them at anytime for anything big, small, funny or off the wall? In September I met one of those kinds of people. She calls me her crazy Jersey girl and she is one of my biggest inspirations. I first stumbled upon her work while following the Matt, Liz, Madeline blog. She took pictures to celebrate Maddie’s first birthday. I then added her to my Google Reader and became a blog stalker……I have a slight Google Reader addiction…..425….slight 
It was on her blog that I heard of an amazing learning workshop that Gina was going to be a part of. I gathered up my education budget for the year and grabbed a spot asap. It was truly one of the most memorable experiences of my life. I met the most talented and open hearted women and Miss. Gina was one of them.
It’s been five months since gorgeous Balboa but the networking and friends made there remain just as strong as the day we all left. I made a commitment to myself and you all that I would bring you new things in 2010. Things you asked for and things I think I have an obligation to share. Gine Lee is one of those gems that need to be shared. I hope you all love her imagery as much as I do and laugh with her words and love of smiley faces.
Here is my first Photographer Spotlight of 2010……….Miss. Gina Lee
Tell us a little about yourself
ha.. okay, okay!!!! Gina Lee here, Fo’ shizzle….. and I am a lifestyle photographer in sunny so cal.. been doing it for about almost 4 years full time.. love every minute of it…
Where is home?
I live in old historic Redlands.. A great place to live.. I feel like I live in the center of everything in so cal… beaches, LA, mountains and the desert, are all just about an hour away…
What’s in your camera bag?
5D, I love my primes… 50 1.4 and 85 1.8…. and my shootsac..
Describe your style
I want to make my clients (kids) feel happy, and I want the parents to feel happy when they look at my images.. My style.. Happy, fresh and colorful and a great experience for all… …. I want them to feel that happy feeling during the session and be proud to hang all their photos on their walls..
What is your favorite lens and why?
I think my fav lens at this moment is the 85 1.8… Its just so dreamy and buttery… Love the colors that come out of that lens…
What advice do you have for someone just starting out in photography?
Practice, practice, practice….. and when you have mastered your camera and your skill.. invest in educating yourself on how to run a business… there are so many people willing to help, I just had to ask.. also networking is key.. I have met some amazing friends by just making a phone call..
Tell us about your favorite session so far
I don’t think I have a ” favorite” session…. They are all fun and all different in their own ways…. But I can tell you…. anybody that says.. I trust you.. do whatever you want… wow!!!! I know those will rank high… ha!!!
List your top 5 photographers that inspire you
Jose Villa http://www.josevillaphoto.com/Jose_Villa_Kids/
Barb Uli http://www.jinkyart.com.au/
Millie Holloman http://www.milliehollomanblog.com/
and Nate and Jacklyn Kaiser http://www.theblogisfound.com/
What is your guilty pleasure?
Guilty pleasure… Okay.. this so corny.. but give me a hour of The Bachelor and a bag of sunflower seeds.. I am a happy girl…
If you were not a photographer, then…..
then, I would be a ice skater… Ha!!!! yes.. a ice skater… 
Do you have any special causes you’re passionate about and would like to share?
I am so passionate about children.. and when people hurt them, it gets me all riled up…. especially children that have been abused or neglected…. I have been involved in many causes throughout the years, but keeping children safe and protected is what I am advocate for..
Where can we find your business (blog, website)?
www.ginaleephoto.com website
and all the latest happening here… http://gleephotography.blogspot.com/
Thank you Gina for sharing some of your amazing Cali self with me and my readers!
