Nabokov distinguishes between two types of visual memory in his exploration of personal recollection. The first type involves a conscious effort to recreate an image, allowing one to construct a mental picture with vivid details, like the physical attributes of a person. This reflective process requires active engagement, using open eyes to recall and describe features, such as skin tone, hair, and expressions.

The second type of visual memory is more instinctive and emotional. It occurs when a person shuts their eyes and can instantly visualize the face of a loved one, experiencing an authentic and vivid recollection that feels almost like a ghostly apparition. This deeper, more immediate connection to memory evokes the essence of a beloved figure, as Nabokov illustrates with how he perceives Lolita.