Many of the holograms that you see in stores, galleries and other places are made in professional holography laboratories. A typical lab consists of a LASER, a vibration-isolated optical table, lenses, mirrors, optical holders and other assorted equipment. You will also find a dark-room area for processing of the hologram.

With amateur and hobbyist holography, you will find the same equipment but it will usually be made by the person who has the lab. It's possible to make very inexpensive holography equipment that rivals the professional equipment in performance. With the advent of using inexpensive laser diodes, it is now possible for more people to become involved with holography.