Caption It: Cooking With Cameras

Contestants Justin Warner of Team Alton and Michelle Ragissis and Nikki Martin of Team Bobby cooking for the Star Challenge "Demo" as seen on Food Network's Star, Season 8.

Next Food Network Star Season 8, Episode 9

Contestants Justin Warner of Team Alton and Michelle Ragissis and Nikki Martin of Team Bobby cooking for the Star Challenge "Demo" as seen on Food Network's Star, Season 8.

Photo by: Edward Chen/Creel Films ©2012, Television Food Network, G.P.

Edward Chen/Creel Films, 2012, Television Food Network, G.P.

Week after week, we see that for many Food Network Star finalists, the camera proves to be their toughest challenge. It forces them to look past the lens and make a connection with viewers, while, of course, remembering to speak clearly, explain their dishes, weave in personal stories, integrate their culinary points of view and more – all in a matter of seconds.

But one aspect of Star that’s rarely shown is what it takes to cook in the midst of cameras, to slice and dice ingredients, sauté on the stove, work kitchen appliances and more while multiple cameras are watching and recording every move. In this sneak-peek shot from Sunday night’s episode, we get a feel for the conditions in which Martie, Justin, Michele, Nikki and the others are working. Do these seemingly larger-than-life cameras distract the finalists, or are they just used to them by week nine? Heading into the final few weeks of the competition, will they be able to keep their cool on camera?

Before you tune in this Sunday at 9pm/8c, we’re challenging you, Star fans, to write your best captions (tastefully appropriate, please) for this close-up moment in the comments below.

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