An optical image recording apparatus includes an image holding member comprising a polymer recording layer capable of recording and holding data through heat application, thermal recording means for applying heat to the polymer recording layer, a photosensitive member, and exposure means for recording the data recorded by the recording layer by the photosensitive member. The polymer recording layer is preferably composed from a polymer liquid crystal. The polymer recording layer and the photosensitivie member can be provided in a laminated form. The data recorded on the photosensitive member may be subjected to an electrophotographic image forming process.