Graeme Braidwood Photography

27/05/2025

Gentle reminder that your Gen X teacher DOES NOT know how the selfie machine works.

24/12/2024

Thank you to everyone who has entrusted me to photograph the projects that they pour so much time, energy, creativity and money into in 2024.

Also, thanks to all the encouragement I've received whether that's from said entrustment, brief conversation or liking any erratic social media posts. It's all very much appreciated.

Hope everyone has a fantastic Christmas and a great 2025.

31/10/2024

So happy for Rae Mainwaring, Clive, Tess et al on the (Covid) delayed press launch of Bright Places.

09/10/2024

08/10/2024

Absolutely devastated to hear that Nigel Ellacott has passed away. Nigel, along with his professional partner Peter Robbins, was a big part of my theatre education. Whilst studying ‘legitimate’ theatre at Middlesex Poly I moonlighted with Barrie Stacey Productions to get my Equity card and Nigel and Peter were usually a very big part of those. ‘Full up for comedy’ when lighting their shows, was my first lesson.

As well as the incredible talent, quick wit and artistry I shall always remember the backstage stories, long drives to theatres and stopping at favourite Happy Eaters on the A1. Such good times.

I got to take pictures of Nigel once at the Royal and Derngate and was treated to a special treat of a personal greeting. The picture of me in the DSM corner of Edinburgh Kings was taken by Nigel. Just previously I’d taken a very poor, out of focus picture of Nigel in his cat costume just before we did a performance of Pinocchio. He then grabbed the camera and, without thinking, took one of my favourite pictures of myself.

Gone too soon. Thanks, Nigel Ellacott

10/09/2024

Several days ago was the Birmingham edition of the National Youth Theatre Summer Course and the sharing was at the Mac. As always the energy and creativity, if harnessed, could power a medium sized village.

09/08/2024

01/08/2024

Amanda Bonsall is a Derby based singer who made the journey down the A38 for her new headshots. After whittling down her gallery Amanda has 101 shots to find her new headshot that will adorn many a flyer for one of her big band gigs. That choice won’t be easy but this image stood out for us whilst we were checking our progress. By the way, a singers headshot probably is a little different to an actors headshot but I definitely struggle to articulate it to anyone. Please check out Amandas website especially if you are in the East Midlands and need some singing lessons www.amandabonsall.co.uk

30/07/2024

The Grand, Wolverhampton has featured a lot in my life. I suppose anyone with a passing interest in drama is going to be very aware of the theatre local to where they grew up. But because of my subsequent work it has featured more than most, probably.

It was a genuine thrill to take pictures on the stage for the rehearsals of ‘I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change’, an in house production about to go up for a run at Edinburgh Festival (directed by Karl Steele). Whilst taking pictures of the REALLY talented cast I couldn’t help but do a mental check list of the milestones I’d experienced there. Here are some of them ...

1. First experience of proper pantomime. We were always taken by Auntie Dolly and the biggest memory I have is wondering why the leading man and best friend were played by really attractive women.

2. First time performing on a big stage with the cubs doing the Gang Show. It was just chaos backstage with hundreds of small children trying to go up and down the stairs from dressing room to stage.

3. First time being out acted on a stage in a youth theatre show. I was cast in a peripheral role in Wolverhampton Youth Theatre’s Silver Sword. For someone wanting to be an actor this was not good.

4. First and only time being a DSM in a ‘rep’. I was part of the stage-management team when the Grand decided to do a summer season in a rep style using local actors. Two weeks rehearsal, I decided, was not enough to rehearse a play properly.

5. First time photographing a big pantomime. Wow, those shows are bright. And colourful. With my experience of lots of children’s theatre I shouldn’t have been surprised but somehow being behind a camera the lights seem to almost assault you.

Lots of other memories and the Grand must be very special to thousands and thousands of people over the years. Always amazed by it. Thankful that it’s still here.

26/07/2024