To provide an image forming method giving an image improved in image defects and dot quality even in the case of a relatively low density dot image, giving an image with an improved white background because fluorescent whitening is effectively exhibited, and ensuring no degradation of curling property even in an environment at low humidity, when an image is formed with a dot area modulation image forming apparatus with which variable density pixels are formed and dots are reproduced by aggregates thereof.

In the image forming method for forming an image comprising Y, M, C and K dot images by exposing and developing a silver halide photosensitive material with the dot area modulation image forming apparatus with which variable density pixels are formed and dots are reproduced by aggregates thereof, the silver halide photosensitive material has a hydrophilic colloidal layer containing flake titanium oxide and contains black colloidal silver.