A method of image enhancement includes constructing an input histogram corresponding to an input image received at a focal plane array. The method includes performing histogram equalization on a first band of the input histogram starting from a zero value and ending at a division value representing a pixel bin value where a predetermined fraction of the input histogram by pixel hound is reached to produce a first portion of an equalization curve. The method includes performing histogram equalization on a second band of the input histogram starting from the division value and ending at a pixel bin value where all of the input histogram by pixel count is reached to produce a second portion of the equalization curve. The method includes applying the equalization curve to the input image to produce a corresponding enhanced image.