An image forming apparatus includes a photoreceptor, an exposure unit having a plurality of light emitting elements that are configured to emit light corresponding to an image to be formed towards the photoreceptor, a developing unit containing toner that is transferred to the photoreceptor therefrom, and a control unit configured to control a potential of the developing unit. The control unit is configured to control the potential of the developing unit, such that the toner is selectively transferred to a region of the photoreceptor that has received light of an intensity that is greater than a predetermined value. The predetermined value is equal to or greater than 40% and equal to or smaller than 60% of an average peak intensity of the plurality of the light emitting elements that are driven with a maximum current value.