A method has been disclosed of processing an image-wise exposed light-sensitive black-and-white silver halide photographic material comprising a support coated on one or both sides thereof with hydrophilic layers, wherein at least one of said layers comprises one or more emulsions having tabular silver halide crystals rich in silver chloride, said method comprising the steps of developing, fixing, rinsing and drying, further characterized in that said developing step proceeds in a black-and-white developer comprising one or more organic compounds inhibiting development, more preferably one or more benzotriazole compounds, and in that said developer is substantially free from bromide ions in favor of a low fog level, a high speed and a sufficiently high covering power of the developed tabular grains.