Russell Tanoue Photographer

I’ve known Russell for quite some time and have used him in different professional capacities. This multi talented individual has no peer in Hawaii when it comes to photography. Some people judge photographers just on the beauty of their pictures but I critique the entire experience. His pictures have always come out perfect for lack of a better word but the Russell Tanoue experience is amazing. My girlfriend and I hired him to do her maternity photo shoot a few months ago. We were out in nature and she was very very pregnant at the time. Though we were battling mosquitos he made her so comfortable even with the fact that it was the first time they met she knew the pictures were going to be fantastic before we even saw them. Im not a model and needed a lot of instruction on angles and shadows. Small tips he gave us made a big difference in the results. Women are more picky then men when it comes to photos and my girlfriend is pickier then most. She loved the results and I’m sure we will be calling him again the next time she wants professional pictures. The true professionals professional, Russell Tanoue.

Russell is bar none the best, most amazing and artistic photographer I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I highly recommend him to make you shine!

An amazing photographer with a talent for finding your best angles and an eye for helping to make you look your best self! He takes the time to position you, pick appropriate outfits, and is dedicated to making you feel at ease and confident! Such a talented photographer with a genuine passion for helping others! Highly recommended!!!

There’s not enough words to describe Russell’s incredible talent. He really does, DO IT ALL! Hired him as the Creative Director of Top Model Hawaii, as well as the Photographer and Graphic Artist. He has worked so hard to give us the BEST PROFESSIONAL IMAGE, and you can clearly see it. He always tells me «IMAGE IS EVERYTHING» when talking about the image of your business. Russell is right. When I look back at last Season, to this season, you can see the complete difference in how much has changed regarding our image. We are so grateful for that. Russell has also taken my professional headshot as the Executive Producer, and I have never looked this good in a photo in my entire life. Heck, IN REAL LIFE TOO!
Russell has a God-​given talent. That is for sure. He’s fun to work with, he makes you feel relaxed, he directs you and makes sure you look GOOD!
He is the Master of his craft! God Bless you Russ!

Russell Tanoue is the best photographer to work with! The quality is wonderful, he makes you feel comfortable and provides amazing direction on set! I will definitely be booking with him again! Thank you for your amazing talent!

He is not suitable for political/​international business or accurate business photography. Photo didn’t help and went backwards on an already successful piano teaching career. Everyone knows I look more Philadelphian melting pot… Russell made me look «too Korean» as was consensus to my headshot. And… I’m dual Japanese & USA citizen.
Today his cruddy photo allowed a Filipino sounding FOB woman to infiltrate my phone which I noticed and caused and has been causing numerous International issues.

Project Shine is not only a philanthropic
project, for Russell it is clearly a labor of love.
For many years Russell Tanoue has not just photographed many unlikely youth, he and his team of ANGELS has given them hope, confidence, and an opportunity they might not have had
— to be professionally photographed.
It has been said that Russell brings out the best in models, actors, recording artists, and celebrities in Hawaii and beyond; he brings out the best in all those that know him. His specialty is to capture an individual’s unseen beauty, but with at-​risk youth he not only captures it, but BRINGS IT TO LIFE FOR THEM TO SEE. What he has given back to the community cannot be clearly described in words, much like his photography — it is a magical, mystifying presence that he brings to all that he captures.
Thank you Russell for ALL the wonderful things that are YOU!!!

I have worked with Russell for over 20 years. I was 8 years old the first time he shot me and now he takes photos of my daughters. Russell is able to bring out and capture a person’s true self and I am grateful that I have my own life documented through his work. He is so humble and easy to work with. He has worked with all kinds of celebrities yet he always has the time and patience to work with my girls. He could have easily moved to the mainland and started charging 10X what he charges here but I am very grateful he has stayed to share his ALOHA, one photo at a time!

October Specials $ 250 for 2 looks or women with hair and make up is $ 275 for 2 looks. Steal deals!
I received RT’s October Special email and decided that it would be great for my husband and I to get head shots. I emailed him and we agreed on a time and date which was a Saturday night at 8:30 PM. Per RT’s email, the shoot location was in his suite in the Hawaii Prince Hotel. I was nervous and excited! We didn’t know what to expect being that his studio is in a lavish hotel on the marina water front.
We entered the hotel, went to the receptionist, and she rang Russell. She pointed to the elevators and said 1*th floor. Got into the elevator had a nice view of the city through the glass plated windows.
We knocked on room 1*0* and he immediately opened the door and greeted us with his nice and warming personality. We laid out both of our outfits, discussed the t-​shirt colors, and off to make up and hair we go. Its a 2 bedroom suite, 1 room is the studio, the other is a regular bedroom. He had his make up and hair artist in the bathroom and she was ready to go.
MUA: Moana Cheryll
It took about 30 – 45 minutes to do my hair and make up. By the time I was done, my husband had finished his session. I got into the studio and it was a breeze. Russell gives clear directions on how to stand, pose, smile, breath, look at the camera or look away from the camera. He is patient and makes you feel very comfortable. I didn’t feel hesitant or nervous. He actually made me feel confident in my own skin. My husband said the same thing as well. My husband loved him so much, that he vowed to return to Russell for family portraits and portraits for our kids.
We talked, we shared a few laughs, we exchanged a few stories and found out we are very connected through mutual friends. He is an amazing human being. He loves life, he loves connections, and he is passionate about making you feel like a better you in front of the camera.
We were in and out in 1.5 hours. It was probably the quickest photo shoot for 2 people. He is efficient, effective and courteous with your time.
TIPS:
1. Self– Parking is $ 6.00 behind the hotel, along the boat harbor
You need to know your stall number in order to get the ticket. The numbers on the ground are faded. If it’s a night shoot, Use your flash light on your phone. Its hard to see. However, 8 hours for $ 6 is worth the evening to get a few drinks, eat, and walk around beautiful waikiki.
Or you can valet your car in the hotel.
2. Bring a few different color shirts/​blouses. Better to stay closer to fitted than to bring loose outfits. stay away from white. I’d bring a black, grey, earthy tone color tops.
3. Bring water, a snack, or Grey Goose & Lemon. Then you can cheers a drink with RT. Be healthy and bring ginger for the GreyGooseLemon.
4. He does not smoke. He quit 10 years ago and loving every second of it :)
5. His hair and make up artist (s) are amazing human beings!
6. Women: bring heels; you could probably bring a nice dress too to change up your looks
7. Men: bring a shaver just in case you want a photo with facial hair and a photo without; I’d also bring a jacket or vest; something to change up your looks
PAYMENT:
Russell accepts credit card/​debit card with a 3.5% fee or bring cash or cashier’s check in his name RT FOTO LLC or Russell Tanoue
Have a fun shoot and he will see you in front of the camera! Aloha!

Russell Tanoue is EVERYTHING! He is professional, multi-​talented, down to earth, and easy to work with! You need to see his Amazing photography on Facebook, Instagram, and Website. You can’t help but fall in love with his work because it is pure PERFECTION! I knew for sure that I was in good hands because he has well over 30 years of experience and everyone has nothing but positive things to say about Russell! I definitely recommend booking with him for all your photography needs!

I am new to model and talent and I was very nervous going to my photo shoot with Russell. I have seen his quality images of models and I wasn’t sure what to expect and how to prepare.
Once I met Russell he made me feel relaxed and he explained the plans for the day. Russell works super efficiently and he fixed my hair in different styles and touch-​ups in a matter of minutes!!! Russell used props (back pack, skateboard and ear phones) that made my images seem very natural. He’s hilarious and really knows how to make you laugh and smile while you are in action. Russell knows how to work angles and how to get the right landscape views, which make your pictures turn out great! Once I received my photos from Russell, I could not believe his finished product and it was very difficult to choose the best images, since all of them were very good!!!
I cannot wait to work with Russell again and I highly recommend working with Russell for your awesome pictures while having a super fun day shooting photos!!!
Thank you Russell!
Shea Suzumoto

What can you say about Russell Tanoue that hasn’t already been said? He is simply amazing and his photos are like art work. He is great at his mission to make everyone look beautiful/​handsome with such professionalism. He makes you feel and look like the star that we should all be… :)

I had the most amazing opportunity to work with Russell. I had THE best experience and was always confident that the results would be perfection. His passion for his work is inspiring and contagious. My beautiful photos are a direct result of Russell’s expertise! Thank you, Russell, for this incredible opportunity and my phenomenal photos! I can only hope I’m lucky enough to work with Russell again in the future.

Russell Tanoue is by far the most talented photographer I’ve work with. He is the perfect balance of fun and professionalism. His work is top notch!

Russell Tanoue is one of the world’s greatest photographers. He makes you look more beautiful in your photos. He’s also talented in hair and make-​up. I’ve modeled since I was 3 years old internationally from Japan, Hawaii and Europe and by far his photos are some of my favorites. To top it off he’s fun and very comfortable to work with.

What can I say about The MAGICIAN– Russell Tanoue! He truly has the Magic touch in bringing out the very best in your photo shoot. His years of experience and knowledge in this field is unmatched. Russell helps make you feel super comfortable in front of his camera, he guides and directs your posing, as well as bringing out the best in your facial expressions! Very easy to work with and the end result, well… its Phenomenal! I highly recommend Russell Tanoue, Photographer, Stylist, Graphic Artist, All around Fun guy!

Russell is an Amazing photographer! I love how my photos turn our every single time the right touch of sass and glam! — Taf

I seen Russell Tanoue’s work all over the island. He has so much knowledge and experience. So when it came time to do a photo shoot, i knew exactly who i would want to take pictures of me… The Legend RUSSELL TANOUE! I love had a great time and he made me feel so comfortable in front of the camera. I recommend him to anyone looking to do a photo shoot. i Notice he also does a lot of celebrity photo shoots.

Russell made my first photo shoot so easy. It was a bit intimidating stepping in front of his camera because he is «Russell Tanoue». Photographer to celebrities and beautiful people. I soon realized that Russell is the most down-​to-​earth person, so much fun, makes you feel comfortable, and he really brings you’re inner beauty to the surface. He is the only photographer here in Hawaii then I will shoot with. I have referred countless people over to Russell and they all LOVE his work. He is THE BEST

Want fantastic pictures, great communication and a fun time doing them? Russell T is your man.
We’ve dealt with photographers for 8 years in 3 states and many cities. Russell is hands down a class act. From booking to delivering the final product.
We just booked again!
Very glad to have found him. He’s not only a great photographer, he’s a warm and fun person.