RUSSELL TANOUE PHOTOGRAPHER

RTFOTO: What agency are you listed with? More Models

RTFOTO: What nationality are you? Filipino; Chinese; Hawaiian; Portuguese; etc.

RTFOTO: Where are you originally from? I was born and raised in Hawaii and have lived in Kailua my entire life.

RTFOTO: Describe yourself in 3 words? I'd probably describe myself as responsible, genuine, and "Square"

RTFOTO: Who was or is your mentor? I can't narrow down one person as being my mentor. I can probably thank a lot of great role models and motivators for the successes in my life. Most importantly I can thank loving parents, a great sister and my close knit extended family.

RTFOTO: What was your first paying job? I got my first taste of money as a kid was when my sister used to pay me to do her household chores. Looking back I was definitely over worked and under paid. All kidding aside my first job was actually washing cars on weekends at a dealership; it worked out well enough that ten years later I’m still in the industry.

RTFOTO: What inspired you to become a model? I wouldn't go as far to label myself as one; but I was lucky enough to get my first few jobs in college. Since then it’s worked out well and I’ve been able to do projects here and there even though I have a full time job.

RTFOTO: How would you describe your style in fashion? I don’t know if I have any fashion sense, but if I were to describe my style I’d be leaning more towards casual and preppy. I feel comfortable in a pullover polo shirt, casual shorts or jeans and slippers. Call me lazy, but I’m definitely for anything that doesn’t need ironing…

RTFOTO: How many years have you been doing what you do? I’ve been at my current position for the last three years, but it’s hard to believe I’ve been working in the same industry for almost ten years.

RTFOTO: If you could do one thing different growing up, what would that be? One regret that I have is that I wasn’t open to the option of going to college away from home. Don’t get me wrong, I had a great experience going to school here, but know now I probably would’ve really enjoyed the mainland if I was only willing to try.

RTFOTO: What drives you to continue doing what you do? It's so easy doing something that you love. Work no longer becomes an obligation.

RTFOTO: What do you like best about the modeling industry? Honestly, for the amount of time put in, it pays pretty nicely. I also enjoy the spontaneity of working for different clients and meeting interesting people whom I’ve developed great friendships with.

RTFOTO: What don't you like about the industry? You hear the stories of people with high opinions and egos in this modeling industry. I would’ve guessed by now I’d meet people with conflicting personalities and egos, but have been fortunate enough to work with people down to earth and genuine.

RTFOTO: If you weren't doing what you do today, what would you be doing? I never gave myself an option, so I honestly wouldn't have the slightest idea.

RTFOTO: Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I’m sure a lot will happen in ten years, but like anyone else I’d love to be settled into a great career that I can enjoy, and be happily married and starting a family.

RTFOTO: What is a good day like for you? Since I work six or seven days a week a great day for me is any day I have the chance to get off. On the off days getting up later than 5:30 am is icing on the cake.

RTFOTO: What embarrassing moment have you had in your career? I’m lucky enough to not have an extremely embarrassing moment that I can remember. I will say that I get really nervous in front of a crowd because I’m altogether pretty shy.

RTFOTO: What would you say is the most difficult part of your job? Quite honestly I can say that I have difficulties working with deadlines and due dates.

RTFOTO: If you could pick any city to live in other than the city you are currently in, what city would that be and why? Although I’d probably end up in Hawaii, I wouldn’t mind living in San Diego. Of the few times I’ve visited (I have a few friends living there), I enjoyed the culture and lifestyle of the city.

RTFOTO: What advice can you give to those aspiring what you do? I can honestly suggest that if you have any aspiration; go for it. The only thing worse than not achieving something is not trying.

RTFOTO: What is your message to teens today? Despite what you may think, there are a lot of decisions you make today that will affect where and who you'll be in the future. Surrounding yourself with positive people and great role models will help you make wise decisions in life.

RTFOTO: If you had the power to change the world, what would you do? Hmmm…there are probably a million things to make this world a better place, but off the top of my head I’d love to completely eliminate terrorism.

RTFOTO: What was your experience working with Russell Tanoue? As expected, Russell was great to work with. I'd consider myself pretty shy and self conscious, but working with him was extremely easy, comfortable and fun. I’ve always heard great things from others that have worked with him and now that I’ve experienced it for myself, I look forward to working with him again in the future.