The invention is directed to self-referenced holographic recording techniques that make use of an element of a holographic medium to create a reference beam from a zero frequency Fourier component of a data encoded object beam. In other words, the self-referencing element may be formed on the holographic medium, rather then being a separate element of the holographic recording system. The element may comprise a diffusive element on the medium, designed to create a reference beam having controlled angles, phase and/or amplitude.