An image forming method includes: forming an electrostatic latent image after charging an organic photoconductor; and developing the electrostatic latent image into a toner image by bringing a developer containing toner and a carrier having a weight average particle size (D4) of 20 to 50 .mu.m into contact with the organic photoconductor comprising a photosensitive layer and a protective layer which is provided when needed, a total thickness of the photosensitive layer and the protective layer being 5 to 15 .mu.m.