To provide a two-stage processing method which may be rapidly provided in a method capable of environmentally permitting permissible black and white images.

This method includes A) a stage of developing a silver halide element for black and white photographs subjected to imagewise exposure by using a specific composition for black and white development stated in specifications not containing ammonium ions in a processing container and B) a stage of introducing the specific composition for fixing stated in the specifications not containing the ammonium ions into this processing container and continuing the processing for the longest time of 60 seconds within 30 seconds after the start of the stage A. The specific silver halide particles stated in the specifications and silver halide emulsion units containing gelatin-base vehicles are arranged on the respective surfaces of the base of the silver halide element for black and white photographs prior to the processing. The coating weights of the silver and gelatin-base vehicles in the respective silver halide emulsion units are respectively ≤11 mg/dm2.