The nonlinear effect of noise-enhanced signal transmission via stochastic resonance is studied for the domain of optics. We investigate the effect for the novel case of spatial signals or images. With a theoretical model involving a threshold nonlinearity, we describe a mechanism whereby the transmission of an image can be improved by addition of noise. We argue that such a nonlinear mechanism can operate in different types of light scattering. With a stimulated Raman scattering experiment, we verify the existence of a stochastic resonance effect in the transmission of a laser image, where we show that a maximal efficacy is obtained with the assistance of sufficient intensity. The present results extend the scope of stochastic resonance and can serve as a basis for further developments of the effect in optics.