Photographic Memory, Is it natural or trained?

Some people seem to have a "natural" photographic memory, I know this from study groups I have been in and one girl had a photographic memory where she could look at programming code, and remember it for an exam. I would have to be able to "work it out" as I didn't have that type of memory. I do think you can train yourself to focus and remember things better, if you don't naturally have this memory. There are many techniques you can use, such as mind maps and associations.

i think it's a gift some receive and work some do. all people don't have photographic memory but some have excellent grasping talents to support their memory and ultimately resulting in a assumed photographic memory state, for example those who have excellent grasping need not study always, listening to the class or reading once is more than enough as long as they understand the concept, people like me, i listen to the class and enjoy the rest of the day, but i don't find any need to study anything before exams, and even if i don't remember anything just by giving a rough reading i can refresh my memory. as long as i find something interesting there is no need for me to study, i can go and write any test without a pause. and i ain't the only one, some of my friends like me, and a few are training their brains to remember everything.

A 'photographic' or visual memory is essentially an ability which one is born with, however, if you already have some ability in it, there are probably ways in which it can be trained to be more effective and useful. In fact, most people tend to have a visual/spatial memory rather than any other kind. A 'photographic' memory describes those in whom the ability to remember and recall details of something seen are more acute than normal.

I think some people are gifted with it...and others can be trained but as a child not when you are already grown up. Maybe you should train your child or nephews and nieces but maybe you can try. There is nothing wrong in trying.

I have a photographic memory.From what I have observed, I could recall things back easily but I nurtured it more when I was in high school. In the family, I got higher expectations compared to my brother because of that I have to work on it. Since then I could say I have a good photographic memory.