What is a hologram?

Hologram is an image registered with use of coherent laser light. It allows to preserve the 3-D information of a holographed subject. With a single source of white light, the image is "played back" and appears in 3-D exactly as it was registered in the studio. Image can project deep inside, or "stick" out of the picture.

What is the use of holograms?

They are used for attractive product packaging, security applications (they are almost impossible to counterfeit), fancy gifts, etc.. Holograms are new media of 3-D art, registration of priceless artifacts, etc.. They are also used in new technology aircraft, automobiles, etc.. A few leading companies work on holographic video and TV systems.

Yes, and no. It is possible to make a hologram of photograph, but photograph itself contains flat, 2-D image information. Therefore on the hologram it will also look flat. It would look just like a flat photograph floating in the space on front, or behind the frame. The third, missing dimension of a photograph cannot be reconstructed by holographic process.

What media are used for holography?

There are different kinds of holograms:
The oldest - silver halide film. It is a film similar to camera film, but of much higher resolution. These are excellent for wall pictures, portraits, etc..
Dichromate hologram is made of special gelatin emulsion sealed between two glass plates. It is mainly used for small earrings, holo-watches, pendants, etc.. It offers really bright and sharp imaging.
Embossed holograms are the ones on "silver foil". Embossed holograms are the lowest priced in large runs. They are used on credit cards, security applications, sports cards, stickers, etc.. Embossed holograms often are multi-color. Color information is computer-generated before embossing process.
Photo-polymer is a relatively new material. It gives very bright image on a flexible surface. Used for bright wall holograms, keyrings, etc.. It may be transparent -- which opens new possibilities. Our holographic sunglasses are made with photo-polymer. One can look through normally, when on the other side they create extremely bright 3-D image.

Some holograms show motion. How is it done?

There are a few techniques of hologram making:
Single image -- usual choice for documentary or portrait holography. Subject just "sits still" and looks 3-D.
Multi-channel holograms. They show a few different images, usually changing from side to side. Most commonly 2 or 3 channels are used. It is like making a few "shots" on the same piece of film from different angles.
Stereograms are the ones that show a smooth movement. They are made of up to a few hundred frames - a little bit like a cartoon movie animation. They can be computer generated, made from digital video or movie tape - showing a short sequence of some action.
See our demonstration of these holographic effects. You will find the link to it on our main page.

What is the best way to display hologram?

Transmission holograms need light behind them, therefore home displaying is rather tricky with transmission holograms. Reflection holograms require single light source from front-above, more-less 45 degrees. These are much easier to display, and are suitable as home decor. Usually light creating strong shadow contrast is the best, and soft, or multi-source light will blur the image. Most conveinent is to display holograms at eye level, so they can be visible from a distance without a problem.

Can I afford a hologram made specially for my order ?

The main problem with custom work used to be the price. Normal pricing for custom hologram usually goes in thousands of Dollars. Just recently we developed the way of making special orders the inexpensive way. We call it "econo-custom holography". We are proud to offer film holograms at just a fraction of regular cost, on the same time offering the highest quality. For more info look at our "custom production" page.

Can the image be enlarged or reduced?

It is possible, but very complex and expensive. For this reason the natural choice is to create holograms in 1:1 size. Some stereograms can be made in other sizes.

Most of holograms is made in one color - similar to black and white holography. The typical greenish - yellow color of a hologram is natural color of the film -more precisely it is "side effect" of developing process.
Multi - color holograms are available, but as it takes extremely complicated process and is time consuming, they are still rare and expensive. (The embossed holograms are multi-color, but it is not the "original" color - it is color added by computer in mastering process.)

Will a hologram last long?

Do I need a special lighting to view hologram at home?

Most of today's holograms are white light holograms. You would need just a regular source of light, like a track light, halogen spot or clear light bulb shining directly on the picture.