Embodiments are described for a system and method for generating a multi-resolution image pyramid. The method can include obtaining an image captured as a coarse image of a defined subject and a fine image of the defined subject. The fine image can be downsampled to create a temporary image. A further operation is applying a structure transfer operation to the temporary image to transfer color detail from the coarse image. The structure transfer takes place while retaining structural detail from the temporary image. A blending operation can be applied between the temporary image and the fine image to construct an intermediate image for at least one intermediate level in the multi-resolution image pyramid between the fine image and the coarse image.