Though we use all of our senses every second of every day, sight is one sense that we rely on the most. That is why human beings and most other animals naturally rise in the morning when the sun is out to illuminate our world and sleep at night when everything is shrouded and shaded in impenetrable darkness. Visual memory is something that many people would like to hone. Those with strong visual memorization skills are often envied for their "photographic memories," as they appear to have the ability to look at something and vividly recall details of what they saw, including any text, object placement, colors, and textures. But how does visual memory work, and why is it stronger in some people than others?
Visual memory can be tricky because it requires simultaneous focus and un-focus. That is, the sense of sight comes to us all at once. When you look at something, you are simultaneously looking at the big picture as well as the details of that big picture. For example, when you observe a sunset, you are simultaneously looking at the entire sky and everything in it as well as focusing on certain wisps of cloud, bands of light, and glimpses of stars. The entire process is one that requires your brain to process a lot of information, a study conducted by the University of Rochester found. Even during reading you are bombarded with many things at once. Your eyes are looking at both the entire page of text, the desk the book is sitting on, and your hands while also focusing on the line that you are reading. This explains why memorization based solely on visual intake often falls behind memorization methods that utilize auditory intake or olfactory senses.
Those who have alleged "photographic memories" likely have the capability to simply focus better on details in a methodical manner rather than being overwhelmed by what they see. Most people react in the latter way when they are presented with a visual plate to memorize. That is why seeing a giant block of text can be daunting and also why paragraph breaks are utilized to help the eyes of readers focus better. Those wishing to train their visual memory skills can begin by reading in a more controlled manner by using a bookmark or their fingers to guide the eye over the sentences and words that they are reading. In addition, using other senses, such as sound, can help visual recall as well. This can be utilized by reading out loud or stating what you see. Not everyone is blessed with a "photographic memory," but honing your visual memory skills is possible with practice.
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