Happy Friday! Time for another edition of our Friday Features, where we feature a member of our incredibly inspiring Instagram community. Today, we are featuring the amazing Brandi Rondinelli (@soulshinephotographer), professional photographer, adventurer and mom of 2 from Southeastern Wisconsin.
Meet Brandi Rondinelli
Brandi’s Instagram feed is filled with gorgeous images of her children exploring nature in the most beautiful and innocent ways. Her images capture the simplicity and wonder of childhood, with a touch of fantasy and whimsy.
Brandi is also the personality behind the Run My Child Facebook feed, so if you follow us there, you’ll pick up on her love of homesteading, gardening, photography, homeschooling, foraging, and animals. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting her (and her adorable daughter) in person and can attest to her warm, genuine spirit, her curiosity, compassion and huge heart. Here’s a little more about the inspiration behind her images in her own words.
Favorite outdoor experience from this past year?
We visited one of our favorite places to explore, Retzer Nature Center. Of course, I brought my camera along, but had no visions or expectations. We were just there for fun. I let the kids go wherever they wanted and allowed them to be the leaders. They took us to some very pretty spots and we just ran around having fun. We raced up a big hill, rolled around in the long grass, tickled each other and made funny noises! We laughed so hard that day! And, in the midst of it all, I caught some pretty photos that captured our time exploring perfectly. It was just the all-around the perfect hike.
Favorite outdoor activity to do with your children?
This is so simple and easy, but my favorite outdoor activity to do with the kids is to look up at the clouds and see if we can make animals out of them. Such a classic childhood activity and I always learn so much about my children’s imaginations and personalities.
What do you love/like the most about Instagram?
I love connecting with like-minded mamas and supporting everyone in their journey while also being able to share my work and hopefully inspire others. Instagram is an amazing place filled with so much inspiration and wonderful people. I’ve made some great “real life” connections through social media and I absolutely love my online friends!!
List three bucket list destinations you’re dying to see?
- Banff & Alberta, Canada
- Bali, Indonesia
- Italy
What is your favorite quote?
That is a tough one. I love quotes!! I actually have a Pinterest board with just quotes that touch my soul. So I have lots of favorites. However, if I had to choose just one, I’ll go with “Troubles, they may come and go but good times, they’re the gold.” -Dave Matthews Band (also, my favorite band)
What is your favorite outdoor memory from childhood?
Climbing trees and building forts in the woods with my brother. We would go outside first thing in the morning and wouldn’t come in until the street lights came on.
Why is it important to you to raise your children to love nature?
We know that contact with nature is a source of wonder and inspiration for children. Nature is essential to their healthy development and sense of spirituality. With that being said I love teaching my kids about the natural world. Nature was always a huge part of my life growing up, it was more than just a place to play for me. It was a place to escape from my house, it was my safe place. I want my kids to feel in touch with nature as I did. I don’t want it to be their escape, per se, but I want them to think of nature as their second home. It’s safe to say, these past 4+ years with my kids have been making nature a priority and it shows.
What is your favorite local/state/national park and why?
My all-time favorite place that I’ve hiked thus far is Olympic National Forest, specifically, Hoh Rainforest! My husband and I traveled there last year and it was just absolutely amazing! Those big mossy trees were incredible. Washington has my heart! 
For more from Brandi Rondinelli,
find her online in the following locations:
Personal Instagram: @soulshinephotographer
Client work: @motherhenshomestead
Website: www.soulshinephotographer.com
For more inspiration behind our favorite Instagram accounts, check out all our Friday Features.
