“It is an illusion that photos are made with the camera… They are made with the eye, heart and head.”
— Henri Cartier-Bresson 

This month we proudly introduce the "eye, heart and head" behind the lens. April Barnes is a talented photographer capturing many of the neighbors featured in this publication. She says, “It was always a dream for me to be a photographer. My dad was a professional photographer, and when I was in high school, I told him I wanted to be a photographer, too. He said I needed to get a job with benefits because he understood how difficult it can be to own a business and have a debilitating illness.” 

So April put her efforts into making that dream a reality. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in global marketing and an MBA in international business, she spent an 18-year career traveling the world and living in Germany, Milwaukee, Connecticut, New York and San Antonio. Then, just over four years ago, as a mother of four, she decided to make the move to professional photography. 

April says, “Being a professional photographer has allowed me to set my own schedule (for the most part) and be home with my family. I get to continually practice balance with myself and my relationships and roles with others while growing and hopefully making the most of this life.” She adds, “I love what I do. I love to capture special moments and occasions, to photograph people and their families, to document the sun shining through a water droplet on a flower.  I could go on and on, but ultimately, photography is healing for me because it’s one of my ways of slowing down, focusing and connecting.” April’s photographic specialty is capturing people in their element. She says, “This seems to be the time that they are the most natural and authentic.”  

April lives in Lake Highlands with her husband and four children and describes her photographic aesthetic as “natural and refined without being over-edited.” She shares a tip for a successful summer photo shoot. “Summertime is tricky for pictures because of the humidity, sweat and bugs. The wind is also an outdoor photography challenge (think cotton dresses and hair).  There are many great locations for pictures in our neighborhood and around East Dallas. I highly recommend when you’re getting your pictures taken to be well-hydrated, as your skin and eyes will look much healthier.”  

April shares a memorable story in her photography journey. “We were looking at White Rock Lake when it flooded one day about four years ago. We saw where a parking lot was submerged, and I thought it was interesting that the ducks were swimming where they would normally be walking. I was going to take a picture of the ducks, and right when I clicked, a fish jumped out of the water right into my frame! The luckiest shot I’ve had so far!”

“I love what I do. I love to capture special moments and occasions, to photograph people and their families, to document the sun shining through a water droplet on a flower."