A method for computing the intensity of light incident on a photodiode capable detecting single photons comprises using arrival-time statistics for a plurality of detected single photons. The statistics are based on the determination of the arrival time for each detected photon relative to the beginning of a detection period within an image frame in which the photon is detected. In some embodiments, Poisson statistics are applied to the computation of the intensity. By computing the intensity of light in this manner for each of plurality of single-photon photodetectors that compose a focal plane array, a high-contrast image of a scene can be developed.