The Project
Fawn Lake is part of “Our Backyard,” a collection of digital photographs that were taken over a decade (2007-2017) while exploring Wisconsin’s woods, waters, and prairies. These images were printed on square canvas and displayed at the UW-Madison Arboretum – Steinhauer Trust Gallery from March-April 2017.
Over a dozen other photos in the series, not shown here, were taken from my hometown of Watertown and natural attractions like Horicon Marsh, Parfrey’s Glen, and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
The photos are exclusive to the common inhabitants of Fawn Lake in St. Germain (where my family has a cabin), including deer, green herons, kingbirds, water lilies, chipmunks, painted turtles, frogs, and even bobbers. Reflecting on these familiar scenes has inspired me to discover more of our beautiful backyard.
Fawn Lake
Photos at UW-Madison Arboretum – Steinhauer Trust Art Gallery
March - April 2017
Photos by Samantha Cora, top left to right: Eye Spy (green heron), Spotted (two fawns), and Lily (water lily); middle left to right: Stuffed (chipmunk), Submerged (water lilypad), Baked (painted turtle); bottom left to right: Bob (bobber), Ribbit (bullfrog), and Kingbird.
Guest Book
March - April 2017
Artist Statement
I view a camera as an extension of myself, and sunlight is my fuel. My first subjects were flowers, birds, and butterflies – easy targets for a shy, curious photographer holding an early generation digital point-and-shoot. As time went on, technology advanced and excitement began to replace apprehension.
The field of journalism opened my eyes, allowing me to shift my focus from flora and fauna to human interactions. Still, nothing is more calming and invigorating to me than watching nature’s story unfold and marking its chapters with photographs and observations.
Guest Book
Picture Book
When Wisconsin Wakes: This softcover rhyming picture book for ages 0-4 features stunning wildlife photography taken by Samantha Cora over the last two decades around Wisconsin, including many photos featured near Fawn Lake (COMING SPRING 2026). Learn more about my books!
