Berkhout's early career was entirely devoted to the white light transmission 'rainbow' hologram technique, of which he was an acknowledged master.

Around the time of Study in Light he began experimenting with Reflection holography and proved to be a master of that as well, using a purpose built set-up (see image) and also shaping the holograms with a high pressure water jet.

Of other works at the time Rudie wrote: "As the viewer approaches the work, the space inside each hologram moves and changes. The imagery is distilled from the nature of light itself, using reflection and refraction of laser light in glass. By recording several images on each plate, a multidimensional composition with complex spatial and visual harmonies is "materialized"".