Glam Photographer Russell Tanoue 20th Anniversary Celebration

Over the past 20 years I have photographed thousands of individuals from all walks of life. It all started back during my dancing career while playing around with Kelly Hu, now actress in Hollywood.  We would play photographer and model in front of a florescent lamp with tinfoil around it.  My sisters were one of my guinea pigs also, doing their makeup and photographing them.  News got around his dance circle and slowly female dancers would ask for their photos taken, but more of a makeover session.

I had no formal training in photography and was inspired by my cousin Wayne Takenaka who assisted Patrick Demarchelier in NY for years.  I was given the opportunity to leave Hawaii and assist Patrick but I turned it down because dancing was still in my blood.  Yup so much so I appeared on the popular national hit show Dance Fever on Fox in the 80's!  So I referred my friend Wendall Maruyama to take my place in NY.

If it were not for my dancing I would not be where I'm at today which is why I strongly feel in today's world the arts is so very important for our kids. We need to boost self esteem and educate our kids and teens that NO ONE is greater than you because we are each great in our own way.  And with that, we have the power and freedom to create greatness in and around our lives. This is why I have chosen to support HUGS Hawaii with my 20th Anniversary Celebration.

 I have had no training in photography, dancing, graphic arts, etc.  And it wasn't always easy but, if you believe that you are unique it's okay to make your own mistakes cause that is the juice you need that will make you become greater.   

When I hung my dancing shoes up, I quickly evolved into a photographer when one of my photos landed on the desk of some modeling agencies.  In a month, I was in full demand and the photographer was born.  And the rest is history.  I've been told by many of how I've touched so many lives and only today, I realize that I actually may have. 

Throughout the years I have worked with  men and women in and or out of domestic violent situations, beauty queens, doctors, lawyers, realtors, dancers, actors, models, singers, strippers, entrepreneurs, adopted individuals, body builders, celebrities...everything you can think of, I have worked with.  Dealt with managers, agents, stylist, makeup artists, etc.  And the one thing that kept hitting me was how everyone is really just the same.  We are all simply searching for acceptance or a sense of belonging.  I suddenly realized how much of a role I played on people's self esteem. Which lead me on creating my personal project, Project Shine.

I receive countless fan mail, posting, etc.  And it really makes me feel good that just by my words, people are touched.  I think this is the answer to that question on how does one get to where I'm at.  And that is, to not focus just on your destination but, make sure you make a difference along the way because what goes up must come down and if you have these seeds planted along the way, you will have thousands to catch you when you fall.  I am working towards producing  a book of my quotes and some of my work soon.

"Thank you for allowing me this wonderful, colorful journey in life."

Russell Tanoue

Please join me on November 20th as I celebrate the big 20 and support HUGS HAWAII!

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Part of the proceeds to benefit HUGS HAWAII!

PHOTOS:  Top left- Mid 1980's Kelly Hu at the Naditorium . Top right- Dance Fever on FOX . Bottom left-2006 Wild On E.  Bottom Right - 1990's Tony Silva, Kelly Hu & Ryan Brown.