My name is Brandon Rains. I grew up just outside “suburban” Atlanta in the small town of Conyers, GA. After graduating from high school, I joined the Covington Police Department and later the Newton County Sheriff’s Office. During my 13-year law enforcement career, I served with Uniform Patrol, the Crime Suppression unit, the Internet Crimes Against Children task force, and the Special Investigations unit. In 2013, I decided to leave law enforcement and move to Gwinnett County, where I met my wife, Erica, and also started a business specializing in Real Estate Photography. We have lived with our three daughters in Buford since 2017. Brandon Rains photography has become a successful venture, allowing me freedom and flexibility to be with my family and truly enjoy my community.
I married my beautiful wife, Erica in 2015. I have three amazing daughters Gracie, Charlotte and Caroline. Gracie is a Buford alumni c/o 2020, as well as, a graduate of Georgia Southern University. Charlotte and Caroline are both currently at Buford Academy.Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I was in law enforcement from 2000-2013. Upon leaving that career I was unsure exactly what I wanted to do. I dabbled in real estate sales for a bit and tried a couple other odd jobs before landing on photography. I vividly remember sitting on the deck with my wife and saying “I want to start a photography business”. She looked me straight in the eyes and said “that’s a terrible idea! You don’t own a camera and you don’t know anything about photography”. While those were both valid points, I knew I could do it. I bought a Canon camera from a pawn shop and ordered a lens from Ebay. I started scouring Youtube and learning as much as I could. I would practice on any home anyone would let me into. The rest, as they say, is history. I completely love what I do. To date I have photographed over 11,000 homes, had my work displayed on billboards and in magazines. I have been awarded Best of Gwinnett and Best of Buford. Most of all my job allows me to be with my family which is the biggest reward of all!
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I love Aqua Terra and Off the Rails.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have lived in downtown Buford since 2017.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Italy, no question! Italy looks like it would be beautiful and I love Italian food.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Tombstone is the best movie ever. Favorite TV show is Queen of the South.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Your life is your responsibility. Work hard, say thank you, help when you can, be a good human. Also, don’t expect you from others… you will be greatly disappointed.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
My wife thinks I’m crazy, but I want to get a helicopter pilots license.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Not a band, but anything classic Motown.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Bare Bones restaurant. Going upstairs and seeing the old basketball goals is really cool knowing that’s the old city gymnasium.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson. He seems like a very down to earth and entertaining guy and maybe I could give him some workout tips. Lol! I would take him to Off the Rails because we both share a love for good tequila.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The actual community. Buford is truly a great place to live and raise a family. Go to any parade, event or ball game in Buford and you will see the people that make up this community are special.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Still living in Buford with my family and running my photography business. Probably a little more gray in the beard.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
In 2011 I traveled with the Mexican National Soccer Team during the CONCACAF Gold Cup as their personal security while they were in the United States.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The Dominican Republic.
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
October. Thanksgiving. November 8.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The life I have built with my wife and girls.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My three daughters. It is very important for me to show them how a man and father is supposed to act. To cheer for them when they succeed and pick them up when they fall down.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Brisket on the smoker and a wood fire in fall.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love, Laughter and Safety