Shotz By Sam: Capturing Speed, Preserving Legacy

Lincoln Photographer Honors Family Tradition While Building Dirt Track Photography Business

When Samantha Freese inherited her uncle's photography equipment after his passing, she had no idea those cameras would become the foundation of a thriving motorsports photography business. What started as a way to honor her uncle's memory has evolved into "Shotz By Sam," a specialized photography service that captures the high-octane world of dirt track racing across Iowa, Nebraska, and beyond.

"I really want to continue my uncle's passion and hobby for him so I can make him proud and make my family proud," Freese explains. Her uncle Trevor had started racing motocross at eight years old and later developed a passion for photographing races. When he passed away, Freese found herself with professional equipment but little experience using it.

From Inheritance to Inspiration

Starting her photography journey in 2019, Freese taught herself the craft through online research, videos, and books. Living near Charter Oak, Iowa at the time, she began practicing at local dirt tracks where family members raced. What began as hesitant experimentation quickly gained momentum.

"At first, I didn't think it would go anywhere, but all the racers said, 'these are some really cool pictures. Can we buy them? Can we use them for marketing? Can we use them for merchandise?'" Freese recalls. "And I said, 'sure, I guess.' And I had to figure out how to sell it and how to make a profit off of it."

Now based in Lincoln, Nebraska, Freese travels every weekend to tracks throughout the region, including regular visits to the Harlan area. Her journey has taken her to venues in Webster City, Denison, Harlan, and tracks across Minnesota and Nebraska.

Building a Business Through Quality and Connection

What sets Shotz By Sam apart in the competitive world of motorsports photography isn't just technical skill—it's Freese's commitment to quality and her genuine connection to the racing community. Unlike photographers who prioritize speed of delivery, Freese takes time to ensure each image meets her standards.

"I don't always post as fast as other people do. I take the time to look at the photo, make sure it's looking great. I don't want to just post some random photo," she explains. "I want to make sure it's up to their standards. I want to make them happy."

Her clients appreciate this attention to detail. Racers frequently purchase digital images for marketing materials and merchandise, with many telling Freese how her photos help them see aspects of their racing they couldn't observe themselves. "I can capture moments of racers that can't fully see that themselves," she notes. "Racers will tell me, 'hey, I really want to see this picture that you took of my car because I can tell I've worked really hard on my car.'"

Navigating Challenges and Setting Goals

Many small business owners balance their photography passion with practical realities. She maintains a full-time job four to five days a week to support her weekend racing photography, carefully budgeting to afford travel, equipment, and track fees.

Equipment costs remain a significant challenge. "I wish that I can afford more gear, expensive lenses and more stuff for my cameras. I want to be one of those photographers that has two or three lenses on them. But that's all very expensive stuff," she admits.

Despite these challenges, Freese has ambitious goals. She's applied three times to photograph the Dirt Late Model Dream, a prestigious event with special meaning since her uncle was from St. Louis. "That would be my all-time favorite because my uncle that started photography is from St. Louis. So I feel that would make him extremely proud and it would make my family really proud."

Community Support Fuels Continued Growth

What keeps Freese motivated through long weekends and equipment investments is the overwhelming support from the racing community. "I am very appreciative of everyone that supports my photography. It's the racers, it's the fans, it's the tracks that help support me. It's all a building block," she says.

This support system has been crucial during difficult times, including the loss of her aunt to cancer last November—another key supporter of her photography journey. The racing community's encouragement helps Freese push through moments of doubt and continue building her business.

Currently, Freese is working to develop a comprehensive website and online gallery where customers can easily browse and purchase photos. While she admits technology isn't her strongest suit, she's determined to create better systems for showcasing her work and serving her growing client base.

Carrying Forward a Legacy

Four and a half years after picking up her uncle's camera, Freese has transformed from a hesitant beginner into a respected motorsports photographer. Her commitment to quality, genuine appreciation for the racing community, and dedication to honoring her family's legacy have built Shotz By Sam into more than just a business—it's become a bridge connecting racers with the moments that define their passion.

As she continues working toward her goal of photographing major racing events, Freese remains grounded in the values that started her journey. "I just wanted to make sure I wanted to say thank you to everyone that supports me. My family that supported me through this as well. I know I'm making them proud up there in heaven."

Connect with Shotz By Sam on Facebook to see her latest dirt track photography and find out which races she'll be covering next. For booking inquiries or to purchase photos, message her directly through Facebook or email Samfr2323@gmail.com. Follow her page to vote on which tracks she should visit next—she regularly lets fans influence her weekend racing schedule.