An image forming element and an image forming method using the same are disclosed. The element comprises a support having thereon a image forming layer comprising a binder, an aromatic aldehyde, a cobalt (III) complex represented by formula I, and a compound represented by formula II or formula III;Co.sup.3 +(L)p(X)q (I)wherein L is a coordination compound capable of forming a complex compound with the cobalt cation and at least one of which is NH.sub.3 or a primary amine; X is a counter anion; p is an integer of 1 to 6; when p is 2 to 6, the plural Ls may be the same or different; and q is an integer of 1 to 3, ##STR1## wherein lig is a coordination compound capable of forming with the cobalt cation; R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are each independently an alkyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkinyl group, a cycloalkyl group, a heterocyclic group or a cyano group; n.sub.1 is an integer of 1 to 6, when n.sub.1 is 2 to 6, the plural ligs may be the same or different; and m is an integer of 1 to 3, ##STR2## wherein Dye is a cationic dye; R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7 and R.sub.8 are each independently an alkyl group, an aryl group, an aralkyl group, an alkenyl group, an alkinyl group, a heterocyclic group or a cyano group; n.sub.2 is an integer of 1 to 3, when n.sub.2 is 2 or 3, the plural counter ions may be the same or different.