PURPOSE: To obtain a high sensitivity image with less fog in a short time by coating a viscous developer prior to color photographic development and successively raising the temp. of the developer to a specified temp.

CONSTITUTION: The surface of an exposed color photographic material is coated with a viscous developer prepared to 1,000W6,000cps by adding a thickener causing no deterioration of the photographic characteristics. The thickener includes hydroxycellulose, its derivatives and synthetic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone which are stable to alkali and soluble in an aqueous alkali soln. This developer contains an ordinary color developing agent and various additives. The temp. of the developer is then successively raised to 55°C while decreasing the raising speed with the passage of time, e.g., to 44°C after a min, to 49°C after a min and a quarter, and to 53°C after a min and a half. Thus, an image of high sensitivity and high maximum density is obtd. in a short time without increasing fog unlike conventional viscous development. The heating is suitably carried out with a hot plate or a hot roll or by ultrasonic heating or other method.