I once tried Harry Lorraine's Mnemonics method (Link, peg, etc...). I'll admit that at first, the whole thing was tedious. Then I had the chance to practice almost each day with another enthusiast, sometimes we'd go on for hours just taking turns going through drills. After a few weeks I noticed I was making associations almost effortlessly, really without straining. The trick was to get into the right mind set to make clear and permanent mnemonic associations in my head; I just needed to get my mind used to doing it on demand. I think the same probably goes for Photo Reading but I think the process is a little more complex (I don't have the course yet.).
Be cool! 
