1. A method of image processing, comprising: applying an initial low pass filter to a first image to reduce noise and high frequency variations prior to edge smoothing; identifying an edge in the first image, the edge having an associated set of edge characteristics, the associated set of edge characteristics comprising a gradient magnitude of the edge and an edge direction of the edge; determining the gradient magnitude; determining the edge direction; assigning a confidence level to each of a plurality of pixels located on the edge, the confidence level corresponding to accuracy of the edge direction that is detected; assigning a bin direction to the edge direction; applying a low pass filter directionally to a pixel of the edge in the assigned bin direction to generate a second image based on the image, wherein the edge in the first image is smoothed in the second image; and generating a third image based on the second image and the first image, wherein the third image is generated from blending a portion of the second image having the smoothed edge and a portion of the first image; wherein a multiplier for the blending of the second image and the first image is a product of a pixel confidence level regarding the edge direction and a comparison of a gradient magnitude of the edge to a threshold value.