Photography & Video for Tribal Communities, Schools, and Real Work That Matters

I’m Sam. Based in Wisconsin. Shooting pow wows, schools, sports, and community stories through photo, video, and drone.

View my work

Book a shoot

Works with tribal communities, families, individuals, schools, business, and organizations across Wisconsin and the Midwest.

Portrait of Wisconsin photographer Sam Strutz standing outdoors in a park, representing tribal, community, and event photography across the Midwest.

I don’t just take photos—I document what matters.

Pow wows, sports, families, individuals, community events—moments that don’t get a second chance.

No staging. No interruptions. Just real life as it happens.

Simple portraits or big events, you get more than memories—you get something that lasts for generations.

Learn more

what i shoot

Indigenous people in traditional regalia preparing at a nighttime pow wow in Wisconsin, with bright arena lights and community gathering in the background.

Tribal & Pow Wows

Real coverage of grand entries, dancers, drum groups, and everything in between—shot with respect, not from the outside looking in.

Youth basketball practice in a Wisconsin gym, with coach instructing young players during a school sports training session.

Schools & Sports

From youth programs to full game coverage. Action, emotion, and the moments players actually care about.

Women attending a leadership conference and community event indoors, representing empowerment, education, and organizational gatherings in Wisconsin.

Community Events

Feasts, gatherings, celebrations—documenting what brings people together.

Drone photo of Bank First building in Wisconsin, showcasing commercial real estate, construction photography, and business property media.

Construction & real Estate Media

Content that actually feels like you—not stiff, not forced.

Indoor marketplace in Green Bay with small businesses and shoppers, highlighting local vendors, community commerce, and branding photography.

Business & Branding

Content that actually feels like you—not stiff, not forced.

Portrait of Red Cliff tribal leader outdoors, representing Indigenous leadership, community storytelling, and cultural documentation in Wisconsin.

Senior portrait of a high school student in Wisconsin, natural outdoor photography with relaxed and authentic style.

Portraits & Individuals

Simple, real portraits for seniors and individuals—no awkward posing, just you.

Work With Me

I work with families, dancers, athletes, and communities to capture real moments—whether it’s events, portraits, or something meaningful to you.

If you’ve been thinking about getting photos done, this is your sign.

Inquire About a Shoot

Some moments hit harder in motion.
I shoot highlight videos, recaps, and drone footage that bring everything together.

Who I work with

Tribal Nations & Communities

Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians
Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians
Ho-Chunk Nation
Oneida Nation
Menominee Nation
Stockbridge-Munsee Community
And more across the region.

Schools & Education

Oneida Nation High School
Menominee Indian High School
Kaehkēnawapahta͞eq Charter School
Sun Prairie School District
Manitowoc Public School District
Washburn High School
Bayfield High School
And more across the region.

Sports & Athletics

Shawano Hockey League
Green Bay Elite Cheer Co.
And more across the region.

Based in Wisconsin, working across the Midwest with tribal communities, schools, and organizations.

Aerial drone view of Manitowoc football field during a high school sports event in Wisconsin, showing team activity and game atmosphere.

Elders participating in a community wellness activity at Oneida Nation, highlighting Indigenous programs and group engagement.

Organizations & Community

Wisconsin DNR
NEWGLSF
Woodland Indian Art (WIA, Inc.)
And more across the region.

Businesses & Commercial Work

Potawatomi Hotel & Casino
Halona Media
Noon sky Productions
Windowstill
Green Bay Elite Cheer Co.
Remax
A.C.E. Builders
Bank First
Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding
KAYSUN Corp
Rhohde Brothers
Schaus Mechanical
The Boat House
United Erecting
And more across the region.

Drone view of community gathering for Wisconsin DNR salmon release event on Lake Michigan, showing environmental and public participation.

Why This Matters

Anyone can take a photo. Not everyone understands what they’re looking at.

I’m not showing up to stage moments or turn things into something they’re not.
I document what’s actually happening—how it feels, not just how it looks.

A lot of this work doesn’t get a second chance.
Grand entries, games, community moments—once it’s gone, it’s gone.

That’s why I shoot the way I do.
Real, respectful, and without getting in the way.

Because years from now, this is what people come back to.

Native American dancers in traditional regalia performing at a pow wow in Wisconsin, capturing movement, culture, and community energy.

Let’s get it documented the right way.

If you’ve got something coming up—pow wow, game, event, project—reach out.

We’ll figure out what you need and make it happen.