Contrast enhancement is a technique used in image processing to improve the visibility of features in an image. By adjusting the brightness and contrast levels, this method makes dark areas darker and light areas lighter, allowing for better differentiation between objects. This is particularly useful in fields like medical imaging, where clear visibility of structures is crucial for accurate diagnosis. In digital photography, contrast enhancement can be applied to make images more visually appealing. Software tools often provide filters or sliders to adjust contrast, helping to bring out details that may be lost in shadows or highlights. This technique is essential for enhancing the overall quality of images captured by devices like cameras or scanners.