I first met Sharna on the set of a photo shoot, for which Libertad Green modeled "the Grunge look" in front of an abandoned building covered with colorful graffiti.
WMV: Your awards include one or two that have something to do with "the S4C Level." What is "the S4C Level"?
Lee: Southern California Council of Camera Clubs...
WMV: Several of your awards are related to the LPA. What does "LPA" stand for?
Lee: Lancaster Photography Association...
WMV: There is an album in the Sports section of your website dedicated to Jamie Lenore? Who is Jamie Lenore?
Lee: Jamie Lenore is a Motorcycle Racer out at Willow Springs [in Rosamond, California]. He was the first racer to approach me about taking pictures for him. He loves my pictures and I love taking them, so he's been a special friend ever since.
WMV: The portrait section of your website lists subjects by first and/or last name; one section has a generalized title: Senior Portraits. Are elderly people of particular interest to you, and, if so, why?
Lee: Senior Portraits are for High School Seniors. I shot a few of my friends' teens so they didn't have to spend an arm and a leg to get some pictures of their High School Children. I even shot my own daughter's High School Senior Pictures.
WMV: Your website also has a special section for Arizona. Why is Arizona so special to you?
Lee: I have two Sons that live in Arizona. One grandson and one grand baby on the way...
WMV: What countries and States have you traveled to?
WMV: Which destinations are you favorites?
Lee: Hawaii, and I love the Grand Canyon. I can learn to love Texas. Utah was very pretty. I love nature, and I love to mix nature with people. I think portraiture should be taken outside. It gives it color and life that you just don't get in a studio.
Lee: Australia... I hear they have the world's deadliest animals, and I'd love to photograph some.
WMV: What do WCGP, WSIR, and WSMC stand for?
Lee: West Coast Grand Prix, Willow Springs International Raceway, Willow Springs Motorcycle Club...
WMV: You are apparently fond of pets, wild animals and children. What children and/or pets, if any, do you have?
Lee: I am a HUGE animal lover. I have four dogs, a snake, a hamster, a Chinchilla, and some fish. I have three children: two boys and a girl. My boys live in Arizona with their father and my grandson and daughter-in-law, and my daughter lives here with me and my current husband.
WMV: One section of your website is entitled Caliente. Do you speak Spanish?
Lee: LOL - not very much or very well... My daughter took four years of Spanish in High School, so she knows way more than I do. (I know a little.)
WMV: What other foreign languages, if any, do you speak?
Lee: None... I can say "No" in German that's about it.
WMV: One section on your website is entitled Weddings; how much do you charge to photograph a wedding?
Lee: I am not a wedding photographer, nor do I ever wish to be. That was just some family friends, and it was more work than fun, so I won't do weddings.
WMV: Are you married, and, if so, to whom?
Lee: I am married to my best friend. He helps to push me when I feel like I can't do something or I'm not good enough. His name is Kevin Lee, and we've been together for twenty years this July.
WMV: What would you like to tell our readers about your parents, siblings, children, and/or any other friends and relatives?
WMV: What exactly is the relationship between you and Matthews Photography?
Lee: Bonnie and I are great friends. We met at the Lancaster Photography Association meeting and have hit it off famously. She and I both have disabilities, so we shoot together very well.
WMV: You and Ms. Matthews recently photographed Libertad Green modeling "the Grunge look." Whose idea was that, and why Grunge?
Lee: It was my idea. Bonnie and I were going to just go hang out and shoot the birds at Apollo Park; then Ms. Green replied to my interest in taking her pictures. I looked through some of her pictures and saw that she didn't have any pictures in Jeans and T-Shirt, so I figured she should show her diverse side to the world - show that she can pull off anything. And she did. Nice job, Libertad!
WMV: What web links, if any, would you like to share with our readers?
Lee:
http://boobear9358.smugmug.com
www.facebook.com/sharnalee65
WMV: Your Facebook URL ends with '65"; is that the year you were born?
Lee: Yep... Shhhh! LOL, I'm an oldie.
WMV: Your Facebook indicates that you're "from Palmdale"; is that where you currently reside?
Lee: I was born and raised in Palmdale, and I live in the house I was born in. So, yep, I reside in Palmdale.
WMV: What does SMMoA stand for?
Lee: Santa Monica Museum of Arts... My daughter had to do art projects in High School, and we had to visit a few art museums down in L.A.
Lee: Hmmm, benefit? None at this time...
WMV: You photograph some buildings - mostly old, decrepit buildings. Why do you seem to prefer those to more magnificent and/or well maintained structures?
Lee: I think that if I can show the true beauty of a building that's in disrepair, then I must be doing something right.
WMV: You also photograph plants. What kind of plants would or do you prefer to receive on special occasions?
Lee: I love Lilies of the Valley, and I love roses.
WMV: You are apparently a fan of the Green Bay Packers; why?
Lee: My whole life, my dad tried to get me to watch football. I refused. I didn't understand it, nor was I interested in understanding it. My husband came along, and he was a Green Bay Packers fan, and he taught me the game - taught me to make the calls before the officials... So, I understood the game, and our team won that year, with Brett Favre leading The Pack. So, I've been a fan ever since.
WMV: How did you commemorate Martin Luther King Day this year?
WMV: How do you intend to celebrate Valentine's Day this year?
Lee: Probably with my daughter, since my husband won't be home...
Interview by William Mortensen Vaughan
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