There are many kinds of film you could use to shoot holograms. My recommendation is to start with 2.5" x 2.5" holographic glass film plates, see suppliers index. Because the emulsion is coated on glass, one can simply secure the plate to the table without using a film holder, see figure 8.
Securing the Film Plate
The holographic film is secured using one or two binder clips and placed on the table. The small bar magnets lock the binding clips to the table.
A green safelight provides sufficient illumination when working in a darkened room for setting up the table and/or during film processing without exposing or fogging the film. I recommend buying a safelight specifically for holography, see parts list. No safelight is completely safe. Film emulsions themselves vary in their sensitivity from batch to batch. Because of this, always try to keep the safelight 12-24" away from the film. This isn't very difficult because the safelight is pretty bright.
Shooting our First Hologram
Turn on your laser. The laser must be given ample time to warm up and stabilize before you shoot. Usually 20-30 minutes before you expect to expose a plate is sufficient time.
Choosing an Object
The first object you select to holograph should be smaller than the plate and preferably a light color; white, off white, silver or metallic finish. You can shoot larger and darker items later after you gain some experience, but to start with, holograph something that will show up brightly. The object should also be rigid, something that won't flex or bend or move during the exposure. For my first object I chose a small white seashell.