Laser Light Arts Workshops

Frank DeFreitas Holography | Allentown, PA | Phone: 610-770-0341

Workshop Programs

Publishing Notes
Updated 7 December 2011

Come study with me in 2012 . . .

NOTE: My workshop prices are the same as they were in 1983, adjusted for inflation.

Holographic Light (students, adults)

As presented at the summer science and arts program at The Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., August 2011.

I have spent nearly thirty years of my holography teaching life coming up with the perfect learning experience to bring together physics, optics, light, history, holograms, science, technology and creativity. And to make it all relate to the modern world in which we live and work: photonics and light-based communication technologies.

I call it Spectra-Holo-Graphica. Spectra for the colors of the spectrum; holo for the holographic optical elements used; and graphica for the most colorful, abstract results.

In this light-based workshop, you'll explore and discover how holograms can be used as tools to control light, rather than being the end product. Each student will receive a CDROM of their work, containing files for 20 x 30-inch, full-color prints suitable for framing and display.

holography light art

You will learn about & work with:

various sources of light (antique & modern):
- colonial candles
- antique oil lamps
- 1890's edison light bulbs
- r-g-b led's
- r-g-b laser pointers (optional)
vintage optical lab equipment
natural crystals (cape may diamonds)
hologram diffraction gratings
a vast array of optics:
- lenses: standard and fresnel
- beamsplitters
- standard & collimating mirrors
- holographic optical elements
digital and / or film camera
computer & photoshop (optional)

You will also receive an all-important holographic grating of your own (to take home) so that you can continue experimenting, and making your own light works.

A "greener" alternative to standard holography . . .

This process does not rely on any silver-based recording film or plates, nor any toxic processing chemistry. The holographic diffraction gratings are re-purposed from the 1980's. Even the LED light sources can be solar powered by the sun. You can be confident, and put your mind at ease, that it is completely safe for home or school.

holography light art

Benefits over standard holography include:

no film, plates or toxic chemistry
no darkroom
no vibration-free area
no special lighting to display
no lasers = no safety concerns
works equally well at home or school
works equally well with individual or team projects
beautiful, full-color results
exhibit anywhere
the lowest initial investment ever
a rich & rewarding overall learning experience

My Spectra-Holo-Graphica provides all of the same learning benefits as standard holography, and even offers a bit more. Look at the topical areas that it covers:

With Spectra-Holo-Graphica you get all of the above learning objectives with just one activity. If you would like to work with lasers, this entire process can be done with small, safe, low-power laser pointers. Advanced activities could introduce the creation of custom holographic optical elements and gratings, on materials that do not require any chemical darkroom processing.

It is also very easy to convert over to making traditional 3D object holograms, too. If you wish, and as an option, we can cover the step-by-step process of how to make a 3D hologram in your workshop, and then proceed to make one that you can take home with you. Just ask when registering.

Light (photonics) is our future frontier. After a lifetime, I believe that Spectra-Holographica provides the finest, most complete, (and most creatively fun) light-based learning experience for the young, and young-at-heart, alike.

All workshops include an introduction to light, lasers and holography, along with viewing examples of holograms from around the world.

You can explore the nature of light in 3 ways . . .

1. At my Private Home Studio:
Any morning, afternoon or evening, except Sunday
(1.5 hour)
Based on my availability
Call 610-770-0341 or email.

One person: $185 w/ one work CDROM.
Two people: $285 w/ two work CDROM's.

Inquire about adding standard 3D hologram instruction to your workshop. Requires additional time and a modest additional fee.

2. At your Home, Apartment, or Office:
Any morning, afternoon or evening, except Sunday
(1.5 hour)
Based on my availability
Fee: Varies by travel, number of participants, and program content.
Call 610-770-0341 or email.

Why not add an educational element to a birthday party or other event? Right at your location. What could be more unique than holograms and 3D group photos?!

3. At your School, Church Group, or Home School:
Any scheduled school day, evening or Saturday
(program can be customized for length & content)
Based on my availability
Fee: Varies by travel, number of participants, and program content.
Call 610-770-0341 or email.

Additional Holographic Light Resources: