lighting and display

Hologram Placement

The key to proper placement of a holographic print is to understand two properties of holograms that are unlike photographs or other printed media. First, a hologram with good depth and projection has about 35-40 degrees of horizontal and vertical parallax (the ability to see from side-to-side and up and down). This means that up close the hologram has only a very narrow viewing area but as the viewer backs away from the hologram this 35-40 degrees of angle increases so that the viewer can see the hologram over a wider area. It is quite exciting to see a hologram both from a distance and very close so we recommend placing your hologram in a room where both can be accomplished. In general, holographic art should be hung lower than most other art. It is easy for a taller viewer to bend down, but difficult for a shorter viewer to appreciate a hologram that has been hung to high. After hanging and proper light placement it may be necessary to "shim" your hologram slightly away from the wall, either top to bottom or side to side. If you bought your hologram already framed this can be accomplished with the supplied hardware on the back of the frame. Second, the holographic print will reflect an image for each direct light source that provides illumination. To avoid objectionable multiple ghost images, the hologram must be positioned where it will not be illuminated by any bright, direct light source other than the spot lamp dedicated to the hologram. Normal diffuse room light is not a problem.

Lighting

Your holographic print will look best only when illuminated by a single direct light source shining down on the hologram at approximately a 35-45 degree angle. Track-lighting and ceiling mounted fixtures suitable for wall-hung photographic prints can be obtained at any lighting or home improvement store. Forth Dimension Holographics also sells our own line of hologram lights for both residential and commercial applications. Some halogen desk lamps are well suited to lighting smaller images on a desk or shelve. Track-lighting fixtures which incorporate an MR-16 narrow spot lamp are ideal for illuminating your hologram. This lamp is available from us or any lighting or home improvement store and can be purchased in 35, 50, and 75 watt versions, allowing the brightness of the light to be matched to the general illumination level where the hologram is to be hung. In general, we recommend the 50 and 75 watt narrow spot versions. Other suitable lamps include the PAR-16, Designer-16, PAR-20, and JDR types which are available from 50 to 100 watts. In some cases, a single higher power medium spot or narrow flood lamp may be used to light multiple holographic prints. The correct position for the light fixture is illustrated on the front page. First measure the distance from the center of the print to the ceiling. Then position the light fixture on the ceiling away from the wall at approximately this same distance. Remember you are trying to achieve an approximate 35-45 degree angle of the light source in front of, and down on to the hologram. Lighting your holographic print is not hard, it just requires a little preparation, but the results will be definitely worth it! Don" t forget to fine-tune your hologram by "shimming" after the light is installed.

Your hologram has been produced on either a glass plate or acetate based film substrate. Given normal care a film based hologram should last approximately as long as a black and white photographic print (50-100 years). A glass plate hologram is archival in nature and should last several hundred years. Basically three environmental factors effect the life of your hologram. First, extremely high temperatures of over 90 degrees over long periods of time are to be avoided. Second, conditions of high humidity of over 70% over long periods will affect the life of your hologram. Third high ultra-violet radiation over time causes your hologram to degrade. The radiation given off by the display light should cause no concern but leaving your hologram out in direct sunlight for long periods will cause the emulsion to crack. Also repeated variation extremes of the above factors will decrease the life of a hologram or any thing for that matter. If your hologram is film based cover it with glass (do not use "anti-glare glass) when framing to protect the film. If your hologram was made on glass substrate cover glass when framing is not recommended. To clean, gently brush dust off of your hologram from time to time. If fingerprints get on your hologram (and they will!) use a small amount of glass cleaner or water and a soft cloth or towel to clean the glass. If you did not have your holographic print framed at time of purchase, take it to a professional framer and have it framed like any other fine archival art. We at Forth Dimension hope your holographic image provides you and your family and friends with years of enjoyment!