A geometric model is developed to interpret the physical meaning of various major characteristics of ’’real’’ holograms. Without invoking highly mathematical principles, but, at the same time, without sacrificing basic physics, the model allows the development of an intuitive understanding of the following characteristics: the virtual image, the real image, redundancy, multiple scenes, white light or Lippmann–Bragg reflection holograms; and then leads into the explanation of the hypothetical ’’thin’’ hologram.