FROM THE HEART
To all my clients, friends, family and everyone who has crossed my path, I hope you are keeping your joy FULL.
I know these days are not easy for a lot of people—from teens to adults. I have personally lost friends to suicide, and it breaks my heart. That is one of the reasons I’m always reminding the people I meet of something very important:
YOU ARE ENOUGH.
And whenever you can, Always Choose Joy.
But choosing joy doesn’t mean you have to pretend everything is okay. Sometimes life hurts. Sometimes we struggle. And sometimes we need someone else to help us through it.
You don’t have to face a difficult moment alone.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, thoughts of suicide, self-harm, abuse, addiction, or another crisis, please reach out. Help is available.
PLEASE REMEMBER
Asking for help is not weakness.
Whether you reach out to a friend, family member, counselor, doctor, crisis specialist—or one of the resources above—the important thing is that you reach out.
You matter. You are worthy. You are ENOUGH.
Always Choose Joy.
Big hug,
Russell Tanoue
Always Choose Joy
IMMEDIATE EMERGENCY
Emergency — 911 If you or someone else is in immediate danger or experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
SUICIDE & CRISIS SUPPORT
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline —247/ Call or text 988 for free, confidential crisis support anywhere in the United States. Hawaiʻi CARES Hawaiʻi mental health and substance-use support and referrals. 808-832-3100 Toll-free: 1-800-753-6879 Crisis Text Line — 24/7 Text HOME to 741741 for free, confidential support from a trained volunteer Crisis Counselor.
MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT
NAMI HelpLine — National Alliance on Mental Illness Free mental-health information, emotional support and resources. National: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) Text NAMI to 62640 NAMI Hawaiʻi: 808-591-1297 The NAMI HelpLine is a support and information service and is not a crisis line. For an immediate mental-health crisis, call or text 988.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
National Domestic Violence Hotline — 24/7 Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) Text START to 88788
VETERANS CRISIS SUPPORT
Veterans Crisis Line — 24/7 Call 988, then press 1 Text 838255 Support is available to veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and those who support them.
SUBSTANCE USE & RECOVERY
SAMHSA National Helpline Treatment information and referrals for mental-health and substance-use concerns. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) Hawaiʻi CARES — Substance Use Treatment & Recovery Call 808-832-3100 Toll-free: 1-800-753-6879 Start Your Recovery Information and resources for people dealing with substance-use issues and those who support them. StartYourRecovery.org
SELF-HARM
Crisis Text Line — 24/7 For support with self-harm, overwhelming emotions, or other mental-health crises, text HOME to 741741. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — 24/7 Call or text 988.
EATING DISORDER SUPPORT
National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Information, screening tools and resources for individuals and families affected by eating disorders. NationalEatingDisorders.org If an eating disorder has created a medical emergency, call 911.
POISON EMERGENCY
Poison Help — 24/7 Call 1-800-222-1222 Connects you with your local Poison Control Center. If someone has collapsed, stopped breathing, had a seizure or has another life-threatening emergency, call 911.
LOCAL & COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE
211 — Essential Community Services Call 211 for help locating community resources including food, housing, healthcare, utility assistance and other essential services. 211.org
REPRODUCTIVE & SEXUAL HEALTH
Planned Parenthood Call 1-800-230-PLAN (7526) for information and assistance finding Planned Parenthood health services.
HIV INFORMATION & RESOURCES
CDC-INFO For reliable information and resources regarding HIV/AIDS and other health concerns. Call 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636)
Again…. Asking for help is not weakness. We ALL need help at some point in our lives.
Always Choose Joy.
— Russell Tanoue
Destinations
Los Angeles, New York, Indianapolis, Seattle…
Behind the Scenes
People often ask me…
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿?
𝗜 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸.
𝗜 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹.
I feel for the right energy.
Then I use light, composition, and timing to bring that energy to life.
NEW! The Family Affair Collection
THE SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE INCLUDES:
- Up to 2½ hours on location
- Multiple scenic settings
- 7–8 signature portrait sets
- Individual family combinations
- Parents together
- Children together
- Complete posing & artistic direction
- Up to 10 professionally edited high-resolution images
- Private online gallery
- Print release
- Priority retouching & delivery
N
EW FACE
Tristan-Ian Messa
Artist with the Royal Ballet Company-London.
Photo: Russell Tanoue
Styling: Russell Tanoue
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
July 22, 2026
Russell Tanoue’s Annual Birthday Shootout Special!
Russell Tanoue’s Annual Birthday Shootout Special!
🎉 For a limited time, receive 2 looks for only $275 (regularly $350).
Makeup & hair not included.
📅 Offer valid through July 31, 2026.
Your session must be booked by the end of July to receive this special birthday pricing.
I can’t wait to see you in front of the camera and help you celebrate your next chapter with confidence.
Happy 250th 4th of July, America!
Today we celebrate more than fireworks, parades, and traditions.
We celebrate the freedom to dream…
the courage to serve…
the opportunity to build a better tomorrow…
and the blessing of living in a nation where hope continues to inspire generations.
As we gather with family and friends, may we also remember those who sacrificed so that we could enjoy the freedoms we often take for granted.
My wish for our country is simple:
May we continue to pursue peace with one another, kindness toward one another, and gratitude for the liberties we share.
Wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and meaningful Independence Day.
Happy 250th Birthday, America!
Always Choose Joy.
— Russell Tanoue
My mission is simple.
My mission is simple.
No matter what’s happening in your life…
or what’s happening around you…
You always have a choice.
And that choice is joy.
Surround yourself with people who keep your joy full…
Then let it overflow into the lives of others.
For more than 10 years, I’ve handed out wristbands to complete strangers that simply say:
Always Choose Joy.
Not because life is perfect…
But because the choice still is.
This isn’t just a wristband.
It’s a reminder.
A conversation.
A decision.
A way of living.
This is my joy.
— Russell Tanoue 💚
Thank you to all of you awesome clients, fans and followers. It’s been over 10 years of 5 stars on Yelp which hits different from any other award or acknowledgements. You all inspire me to continue doing what I do. 2026 here we come!
Latest testimonials
What’s New
If you are new to the industry and seeking a specific type of photo shoot such as acting headshots, modeling portfolio, realtor portrait/branding photo shoots here are some popular packages below:
Superkids photo shoot for kids 4 -12 years of age.
Realtors headshots/branding packages.
Actor’s headshots studio or on location.
Premium Modeling Photo Shoot Package
Mens Professional Photo Shoot Package
THE SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE INCLUDES: Up to 2½ hours on location Multiple scenic settings 7–8 signature portrait sets Individual family combinations Parents together Children together Complete posing & artistic direction Up to 10 professionally edited high-resolution images Private online gallery Print release Priority retouching & delivery
For more click here.
Wanna book a shoot click here!