A person is said to have photographic memory if he can remember information in detail. Many scientists and leaders possessed photographic memory including Leonardo Da Vinci, Sherlock Holmes (fictional), Teddy Roosevelt and Von Neumann. In popular culture we have been using words photographic memory and eidetic memory interchangeably.  A person with eidetic memory can remember hundreds or thousands of images after seeing them once. In this book’s context, we are using term photographic memory loosely. Anyone who can remember information in detail after seeing it for a brief time with or without help of mnemonic devices has been supposed to possess photographic memory. So in modern times, Elon Musk and memory grand masters can be said to possess photographic memory.

Most people with great memory who do not have any memory training have these traits in common:

Some people have also used mnemonic devices to enhance their memory.  They have achieved super memory through memory training and techniques. Most memory grandmasters fall in this category. These grandmasters can amaze people by their memorization capabilities. With proper training any normal person can improve his memorization capacity many folds.

To have a phenomenal memory you must have great focus. You should be present in the now. To practice focus and presence, try to see things with full awareness and curiosity. Also you must be aware like a camera of minute details. Try to imagine vividly of your future and current projects. See things from different perspectives. Ask yourself how an architect /doctor/ artist would have .seen this thing.

Heavy reading is the most common trait among people with good memory (Non-trained) so read a lot. Read about any subject of your interest. Learning new skills can also help develop a good memory. Learn anything of your interest.