Image forming method

A method for forming an image, comprising the steps of:

• imagewise-exposing a silver halide photographic material comprising a support having thereon a silver halide emulsion layer, wherein the emulsion layer or other hydrophilic colloid layer contains a hydrazine derivative as a nucleating agent and contains at least one compound represented by formula (A) in amount of from 1.times.10.sup.-4 to 1 mol per mol of silver halide;
• and then developing the exposed photographic material with a developer having a pH of 9.0 to 11.0, the developer containing an ascorbic acid type developing agent and a superadditive auxiliary developing agent and does not substantially contain a dihydroxybenzene type developing agent:
• ##STR25## wherein X represents a hydrogen atom, an aryl group, a heterocyclic group, or a group represented by formula (B):
• ##STR26## wherein each of R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 may be the same or different, and each represents a hydrogen atom or a group other than a hydroxyl group.