1. A method of image processing especially arranged to stress the interrelationship of various image gradients existing in an image, said method comprising the steps of: generating image signals representative of the light value of elements of the image; generating a first gradient signal in response to a combination of image signals representative of an image gradient over a first portion of the image; generating a second gradient signal in response to a combination of image signals representative of an image gradient over a second image portion that is greater than said first image portion; generating a composite signal from the combination of said first and second gradient signals; and modifying said image signals according to a noise-sensitive function that operates upon a characteristic of said composite signal.