I'm quite certain I've got aphantasia as well, but despite that I have quite vivid memories.
Except I don't really visualize what was there, but I "feel" them. It's not just a grocery list of elements for a scene, rather I have a strong sensation of being in the moment.
Both my mom and my sister has multiple times expressed surprise at my recall.
On the other hand, old pictures doesn't really do that much for me. Sure it's fun to watch them, and maybe they jog some memories, but I don't feel I need them.
That said, I'm open to future me regretting not taking pictures, so when on vacation or similar I do try to take some pictures.
That’s neat that you used the word “feel”… it’s the exact word I use when I try to describe my experience.
For example, I have a great spatial memory, which is obviously not due to my ability to “see” things in my mind. Instead, when asked how I can remember spatial things (e.g., “which way did we come from on our hike?”), all I can say is that I simply “feel” the path.
If you’re curious, this is because different parts of our brain are responsible for visual spatial processing vs. visual object processing. The dorsal visual pathway is responsible for spatial processing, and the ventral visual pathway is responsible for object processing, like faces. This is all “bottom up” visual processing.
Bottom up visual processing is independent from internal cognitive activation of these pathways, which can arise from frontoparietal engagement of the same “endpoints” as the dorsal/central visual pathways. This is “top down” processing.
My ability to “feel a spatial cognitive map without images” argues that there are some miswirings between my frontoparietal cortex and my temporal cortex. This is why I can still recognize faces, objects, etc., but can’t see them in my mind.
Visual imagery during dreaming adds an entire other layer onto the topic :)
Here are some good reviews and articles on the topic:
Except I don't really visualize what was there, but I "feel" them. It's not just a grocery list of elements for a scene, rather I have a strong sensation of being in the moment.
Both my mom and my sister has multiple times expressed surprise at my recall.
On the other hand, old pictures doesn't really do that much for me. Sure it's fun to watch them, and maybe they jog some memories, but I don't feel I need them.
That said, I'm open to future me regretting not taking pictures, so when on vacation or similar I do try to take some pictures.