Big Money Munch wasn’t just about the competition —it was about the storytelling. The food was at the heart of but it was important to capture the history and culture behind each dish which focused on celebrating Black food culture. We needed to pay special attention to the food itself—making sure the colours popped, the textures were highlighted, and the food looked as appetising on camera as it did in person.

We had a mix of wide shots to show off the vibrant set and handheld cameras for the close-ups of the food, especially when the contestants were plating their dishes or getting involved in some of the more interactive food challenges. I also worked with the crew to set up sliders for smoother, more dynamic shots, particularly for capturing the steam rising from freshly cooked dishes or a contestant’s reaction as they tasted a bite. Lighting was key for bringing out the natural colours in the food—greens, reds, and golden yellows needed to shine. 

In show like this, things didn’t always go to plan, especially when there was so much going on around food, heat, and time pressure. If something unexpected happened—like a contestant making an impromptu comment about a dish that had cultural significance or a dish going wrong during the challenge—I had to make split-second decisions about how to capture it. A camera angle might need to change mid-action and I had to follow the unexpected moment, ensuring we didn’t lose anything valuable. Sometimes, I’d need to move fast to get a candid shot of a contestant laughing or a judge’s face as they tasted a dish.

Looking back, being a part of the camera team on *Big Money Munch* was an intense but incredibly rewarding experience. I had to stay organised, make quick decisions, and keep focused on capturing not just the competition, but the heart of the show—food that told stories, celebrated culture, and brought people together. The pressure of making sure every shot was perfect was always there, but the satisfaction of seeing everything come together, from the food to the contestants' personal journeys, made it all worth it. It was a lot of work, but it felt fulfilling knowing I played a crucial role in showcasing Black food and culture on a national stage and helped to win a RTS NI award in the process.