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Baby
Glossaries
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Baby | "Baby" is a slang term, universally recognised on film, television and photographic sets, to identify a 1000 Watt (or 1kW) Fresnel lens spotlight. It is part of the standard "family" of incandescent (tungsten) lights and is one of the most versatile tools available to a director of photography or a gaffer. What it's used for / Why it's importantThe Baby is a workhorse for lighting. Thanks to its Fresnel lens, it allows for precise control of the light beam: it can be "focused" to create a tight, intense beam (spot light) or "flooded" to achieve a wider, softer light (flood light). Its 1kW power makes it ideal as a key light indoors, a fill light or a backlight. When it's used / In what context it's usefulIt's used in almost all situations. It's perfect for lighting a subject during an interview, simulating sunlight coming through a window (often projected through a grid cloth or a diffusion frame), or for creating light accents on scenery. Today, there are also LED versions that replicate the function of the traditional "Baby", consuming less energy and generating less heat. Practical exampleOn set, a Director of Photography (DoP) might ask the Gaffer (Chief Electrician): "I need a kick (edge light) on the actor. Let's put a Baby on spot from that position, cut with two flags". Extra insightThe terminology for the Fresnel family is hierarchical and based on power: the "Baby" (1kW) is more powerful than the "Tweenie" (650W) and the "Midget" (200W), but it is smaller than the "Junior" (2kW) and the "Senior" (5kW). Asking for a "Baby" on set is a quick and unambiguous way to define the power and type of light required. |
