Black-and-white elements, such as radiographic films, can be processed in roomlight because they include certain light absorbing dyes and desensitizers. Processing is carried out by processing the exposed element using a two-stage process in the same light-tight processing container. In the first stage, development is initiated with a developing composition having a pH of from about 10 to about 12.5, and comprising an appropriate black-and-white developing agent in a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 0.5 mol/l, and a sulfite at from about 0.25 to about 0.7 mol/l. After an appropriate time, a fixing agent (other than a sulfite) is introduced into the processing container to provide a combined developing/fixing compositions, and development and fixing are carried out simultaneously. The processing method is carried out quickly, usually within about 90 seconds, including a washing step at the end. The presence of sulfite and high pH in both stages decolorize or deactivate the particulate dyes.