An improved photographic element comprises a support bearing at least-one silver halide emulsion layer having associated therewith a hydrazide compound that functions as a scavenger for oxidized developing agent. The hydrazide compound comprises at least one polyhydroxy aromatic nucleus or a precursor thereof and at least one moiety containing an ##STR1## group which is bonded to a ring carbon atom of the polyhydroxy aromatic nucleus or precursor thereof through a linking group. The linking group can be an oxy, thio, sulfinyl, sulfonyl or alkylene group or it can be a carbonyl group when the polyhydroxy aromatic nucleus comprises at least three hydroxyl groups.