An image recording apparatus (1) includes a light source (3) for irradiating a microcapsule carrying photo-sensitive/pressure sensitive recording medium (P) for forming a latent image on it corresponding to an image of an original (G) upon photo-curing of the microcapsules, and a pressure unit (8) for developing an image on the photo-sensitive/pressure sensitive recording medium (P) upon rupture of remaining microcapsules. The apparatus includes control means (28) for controlling the atmosphere around at least the photo-sensitive/pressure sensitive recording medium (P) to within allowable ambient conditions so that development is carried out under optimum conditions. Typically both the temperature and humidity of the medium are controlled. Typically in an image transfer method, the photo-sensitive/pressure sensitive recording medium (P) includes a photo-sensitive pressure sensitive sheet which carries microcapsules encapsulating chromogenic material, photo sensitive composition and photo poymerization initiator, and a separate developer member (12) which carries a developer agent which reacts with the chromogenic material in the pressure unit (8). In a self-contained method, the photo-sensitive/pressure sensitive recording medium (P) includes a single sensitive sheet which carries all such substances.