Abstract: Process for preparing photographic materials yielding on imagewise exposure to radiation a direct positive image is provided, which comprises the deposition of a thin layer of catalytically active metal onto a carrier base on the surface of which has been deposited an intermediate adhesive layer or surface filled by the deposition thereon and in direct contact therewith of a second thin layer of a photosensitive inorganic compound capable of reacting catalytically with the metal layer when activated upon exposure to radiation, so that the metal layer is destroyed on the illuminated areas but remains intact on the nonilluminated areas of the photographic material, creating in this way a direct positive metal image, capable of being stabilized and intensified.