Abstract: A photographic matte for use in traveling matte photography is formed by recording a separation of a first screen-color separation of an image on a first film layer and recording a separation of a different second color on a second layer. Preferably, the second color is complementary to the screen color. One layer is developed to form a positive image and the other to form a negative image, these images reinforcing each other. One image is formed by black dye, using a coupler and a color developer and the other is formed by a black dye destruct technique in which the developed portion of the silver halide emulsion is removed. According to another aspect of the invention, a matte of increased density can be formed without commensurate image growth by combining a black dye image with a silver image.