Dr. April Ruiz…Grand Rapids, MI

By Doug D. Sims

In a world increasingly oversaturated with fleeting moments, Dr. April Ruiz stands as a visual storyteller determined to make every image unforgettable. As the creative force behind Candy APEL Photography, this Grand Rapids-based photographer merges nostalgic heart, vibrant artistry, and a thoughtful eye to create images that feel as joyful and layered as the memories they represent.

Ruiz’s journey began in the warmth of family gatherings—barbecues, birthday parties, and reunions, where the spirit of celebration filled the air and laughter echoed through photo albums. Her very first camera, a classic Kodak 110mm with a scratchy rotary wheel, symbolized more than a new toy—it was the start of a lifelong love affair with capturing moments.

“I remember going to the photo lab at Meijer to develop my film,” she recalls. “It was always glossy. But I appreciated that experience. It helped me understand what it took to make a memory tangible.”

That same appreciation for tangible memories is what drives her photography today.

Candy APEL Photography is known for vibrant, whimsical visuals that blend creativity with emotional resonance. Ruiz leans heavily on natural light, preferring the authenticity of real-world settings over sterile studio setups. From Grand Rapids’ iconic Blue Bridge to secret alleyways unknown to most locals, her lens finds magic in both familiar and forgotten places.

“I like to think outside the box,” she says. “I’ll shoot at different angles or explore new corners of old spots. That’s the fun part.”

While Grand Rapids serves as her home base, Ruiz’s camera travels with her wherever she goes—from the beaches of Lake Michigan to the sunny backdrops of Tampa and beyond. “It keeps me flexible, keeps me inspired,” she says of her location-hopping style.

She specializes in senior portraits, family sessions, and event photography, with a particular love for capturing life’s milestone moments. Her first wedding? A complete leap of faith. “They had no idea it was my first,” she laughs. “But I said yes, and I made it happen.”

Making clients feel comfortable is at the heart of her process. With a background in dance and acting, she brings warmth, energy, and confidence to every shoot. “If you’re stressed, the camera sees it,” she says. “I coach, I pose, I joke—I do what it takes to help people see the best version of themselves.”

As a planner, Ruiz pays close attention to every detail: locations, outfits, color schemes, props. But she also knows how to adapt on the fly. “Sometimes people just trust me to make it pop,” she says. “That’s the ultimate compliment.”

Even during slower seasons, she stays creatively fueled. She credits the vibrant photography community in Grand Rapids as a source of inspiration, not competition. “We don’t have a shortage of talent,” she says. “And that’s a beautiful thing.”

While she hasn’t collaborated extensively with other photographers, she hopes to see more of that in the future. “We should be thinking collaborators, not competitors,” she says.

Running the business side of Candy APEL as a one-woman show hasn’t been easy—but it’s been deeply rewarding. With her doctorate now behind her, Ruiz is preparing to launch a new photo series she’s been dreaming up for years. She’s keeping the details under wraps, but promises something bold, exciting, and uniquely hers.

Her advice to new photographers? Don’t wait. “Start with what you have—even if it’s just your phone,” she says. “Play. Experiment. Learn. The tools are out there. All you need to do is begin.”

Through Candy APEL Photography, Dr. April Ruiz doesn’t just take pictures—she captures heartbeats in time. Every frame is a testament to the power of memory, artistry, and the joy of seeing yourself reflected beautifully in the world.