Method of forming negative dot images

A method of forming a negative dot image having a gamma value of more than 10 which comprises imagewise exposing to light through a contact screen a silver halide photographic light-sensitive material of substantially the surface latent image type which contains in a silver halide emulsion layer or another hydrophilic layer

• (a) a hydroquinone based developing agent, and
• (b) a compound represented by the formula (I) as indicated below in the amount of from about 10.sup.-8 to about 5.times.10.sup.-2 mol/mol Ag and, thereafter, developing the thus exposed light-sensitive material with an activator aqueous solution having a pH of 11.5 or more
• R.sup.1 NHNHCOR.sup.2 (I)
• wherein R.sup.1 is an aryl group which may be substituted, and R.sup.2 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group which may be substituted, or an aryl group which may be substituted.