Pictures tell stories that words cannot. No wonder how Instagram got so popular, right? Everyone wants to snap a pic and post it to “the gram” to show a life that, in reality, they may not be living. But no matter how good you are at taking selfies, a picture taken by a photographer can’t be matched. Photographers see it all. No matter your faults, photographers are able to capture your best side. They help you tell the story you want to tell. But what about their story? People never really ask.
We connected with Haisaun Adams a.k.a. King Haus, a local photographer who has captured the best of many around the valley, from concerts, to events, photo shoots, and nightlife. We wanted to get his story and put it into words the best we can. Check out our Q&A with “King Haus.”
Where are you from originally?
I am originally from Oceanside, CA. But, I have lived all over San Diego county.
How long have you been in Arizona?
I’ve been in Arizona since 2004, which makes that about 14 years in the valley.
Where did you go to high school?
I went to school at Peoria High. I played Football and Basketball for all 4 years as a starter.
Were you involved in any other groups or clubs?
I was a part of the Christian club on campus for athletes. I was cool with all social groups, and also took media production where we made the morning announcement for the school. A lot of people don’t know this, but I was homeless for a good part of high school. I still managed to go to school every day and graduate.
That is a big feat to accomplish? If you don’t mind me asking, how did you push through?
I had a very powerful support system at school through my coaches and sports family/friends. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to push through.
Experiencing the valley now as an adult, what do you think about the Phoenix/Arizona scene?
I think there’s a lot of potential for people to accomplish a lot of things. whether its photography, rapping, branding, whatever it may be. Just in the past few years its grown a lot, and a lot more Arizona talent has been recognized.
Ok, so tell me about yourself. What are your hobbies?
Chilling with my son, playing basketball, hiking, biking, and really just anything to stay active.
What about your job? What do you do for work?
I’m a coach and boxing trainer at Scottsdale Boxing Club. I am also into photography. When you do something you love, it’s hard to consider it a job.
So how did you get into boxing?
My best friend’s dad owns a weight lifting gym. Last year, I started working out with him more and was introduced to some of the other trainers there. One of them happened to be training with a professional boxer, so I was around boxing a lot more. Just recently, he opened up a boxing gym, where I became a coach and trainer.
How can folks get signed up for a lesson or become a member?
We have a really simple way to do that through our app. Just search for “Scottsdale Boxing Club” in the app store. On the app, you can find the classes, location, and pretty much any other information you’d need. You can also visit the website at http://www.boxingclubscottsdale.com/.
You also said that you are into Photography. How did that start?
It took me a long time to find what I really wanted to do after getting out of the military, I put all my eggs in one basket and thought I was going to do my full 20 in the military, retire, become a police officer. I had it all planned but ended up getting discharged with an enlarged heart. A couple months before I got my camera, I remember talking about how I didn’t want to do something and be in the limelight. I wanted to be behind the scenes. Those are the people who make money. I started to think, “what could I do where I’m still out on the scene, just behind the scenes?” Then my camera stumbled across me working a different job and the rest was history.
Do you have some of your first photos? How long have you really been into it?
Yeah, they’re actually still on my Instagram. I been doing this about 6 months, but I really feel like this is what I’m meant to do.
What would you say are your favorite things to take photos of?
Honestly, my son because he’s got so much personality and it’s amazing how much it comes through pictures. but really, candid photos are my favorite type of photos. you can capture someone’s true colors when they’re not worried about posing, wondering where the camera is, or anything else. that’s where it becomes an art.
You’ve done a few photo shoots with local models? Who are some of the people you’ve worked with?
I’ve worked with Cassandra Moffin with TruthinX models, some models from MAS models, and Sovereign Lifestyle and some other local models. My all-time favorite shot was of Sincerely Collins.
What type of work would you rather not work with?
I haven’t really found anyone or anything I don’t like working with. I can catch a vibe from people or places right away and can tell if I want to shoot there
As a photographer, do you consider yourself a part of the entertainment scene?
Yeah because if it wasn’t for us, nobody would be seeing what goes on at events, or have that photo to post on their IG or snap. I feel like photographers get left out of the scene, when really, we’re just the ones capturing the moments.
What do you believe is your biggest accomplishment so far?
My son because now I see all of the potential that a young kid has when he’s got a father figure in his life to guide him. I see the young man he’s becoming, and I know he’s going to be somebody smart and successful, and I can say ‘that’s my son!”
What might someone be surprised to know about you?
The fact that I was in the military.
What do you have planned next? where do you see yourself in the next year? 5 years?
In the next year and following, I really see myself expanding my business and brand, working with more artists and photographers. and continuing to send positive vibes throughout the community to inspire the youth.
What’s the name of your Brand, and what does it represent?
“BeverlyBoyz” represents friends from all different lifestyles and different backgrounds coming together to express ourselves through many things we love to do, whether its rapping, DJing, doing photography, or being a barber. We all came together to connect people from different groups or professions who may not have had that opportunity otherwise to start networking with people outside of their field.
Where can people find out more about the brand, or buy your gear or merchandise?
People can find our products and more information about BeverlyBoyz on the official BeverlyBoyz IG page (@beverlyboyz). Our website is coming soon!
What else should people know about you?
That I’m all about respect and loyalty. That’s what I live by. I always show everybody the same amount of respect, whether it’s the CEO or the janitor, until they give me a reason not to. I just hope that people can come back with respect and loyalty towards me.
Where can people find you on social media?
You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat: pvt_adams.