Local Photo Contest Winners Appear On The Dr. Phil Show

It was the Fall of 2014 and I decided to run a facebook contest in search of a “triumph over tragedy” story to inspire my blog readers. Twenty years of working in the counseling profession has taught me the value of a good testimony. I have seen clients recover from dark circumstances more quickly by sharing their story with others as opposed to those who keep secrets hidden to themselves. I was excited to find a way to combine both my photography and counseling background to help others through blogging a story.

I wanted to give someone with an inspirational story a free photo session as a way to document this special time in their life. My friend Darla, owner of DSalon in Lockport, NY decided to add more to the package by giving away a makeover to the contest winner. The prize would go to the one who had the best story about overcoming a difficult circumstance.

The emails came pouring in with stories from all over WNY of how people survived some of the most tragic situations, disabilities, and illnesses. Darla and I laboured over each one and when we finally had it down to three, it became even harder to choose a winner. There were so many tales of heroic effort that deserve to win, but we can have only one winner. Finally we got it down to two. We conferred a little longer, and still no choice had been made.

It was a tossup between two very commendable women. One having survived cancer and another who had suffered severe physical abuse. We made our final selection at the salon late one night. As Darla looked up from the essay she was reading, her kind blue eyes met mine and I knew exactly what she was thinking - we would pick two winners. Both stories were so compelling we would give them each a makeover and photo session. The winners were Cindi Stricklin and Faith Coppola.

Both prize photo sessions took place in the Audubon area that fall. The winners were joined by their families in celebration. We strolled through the winding trails lined with fiery red oaks and brilliant yellow maples singing familiar songs to encourage smiling faces. The kids tumbled through leaves while brilliant streams of sunlight kissed their bouncing hair. My spirit soared as I captured the triumphant love and support of these survivors and their families interacting together.

Twelve months later, as the autumn gusts blew once again, I posted the day's portraits to facebook, my messenger popped up and read “This is the Dr. Phil Show and we would like to talk with you.” My first thought was this is some kind of scam. Then something told me to take another look at the sender's profile. Her info said she works at the Dr. Phil Show. Anxiously, I googled her name and saw she was listed as a producer on the show’s website. What would the Dr. Phil Show want with me? Even if it were true, would they contact me through Facebook?

I replied to the facebook message, we exchanged numbers, and spoke over the phone. The producer explained that my contest winner, Faith Coppola, was appearing on the show with her husband Nick. The show wanted to use the photos during the show. I happily gave permission to use my photos.

Shortly thereafter Faith and Nick bravely made the trip to Hollywood to share their story with the world and get the help they needed from Dr. Phil to lose weight. I am so inspired by the courage and strength of this couple as well as all the others who entered my contest. I wish I had a prize for them all, but I take heart in knowing that their reward is having overcome some of the most grave circumstances.

Watch the Coppola's appearance on the Dr. Phil Show here.