So, all lined up with a provider and on my way asks if I would pick up an eBay gift card in lieu of cash... for same value. Now thinking this is a scam, wants to see the card before meeting, getting the front and back pics etc. Am I thinking wrong here?

And she wants all the numbers off it before you meet sent by email? If that is what you are saying, I personally would not go through with that. That is highly unusual and very unprofessional of her, especially if she didn't mention a word of this prior to date day.

tell people when they have doubts to go with their instincts. In this case I'm thinking more like "Are you kidding me?"  

Send her a dick and ass pic, front and back(doesn't have to be yours but then you'd have to find someone else's dick/ass... on another thought maybe just skip sending the pix altogether) ,

...or send her a pic of Admiral Ackbar...

Post her info here so we can all avoid her!

Lay out the requested number of Benjamins with their serial numbers visible, snap a photo, and send the photo of the legal tender. Ask her if she wants an envelope or not.