The image recording method and apparatus deflect light from a group of two-dimensionally disposed light source elements to move an image formed on a recording medium in accordance with a movement of the recording medium, or shift modulation data of the group of two-dimensionally disposed light source elements in a first moving direction of the recording medium on the group of two-dimensionally disposed light source elements in synchronism with the movement of the recording medium, and thereby have the image remain stationary relatively to the recording medium in the main scanning direction, as well as shift sequentially modulation data of the group of two-dimensionally disposed light source elements in a direction opposite to a second moving direction of the optical system in synchronism with a movement of the optical system in the auxiliary scanning direction, and thereby having the image also remain stationary relatively to the recording medium in the auxiliary scanning direction.