An iterative method and associated algorithm for performing image registration to map features in a first image to corresponding features in a second image in accordance with a transformation model. Upon convergence of a parameter vector associated with the model, a current bootstrap region includes and exceeds an initial bootstrap region that is initially established. During the iterations, the parameter vector is estimated by minimizing an objective function with respect to the parameter vector. Each iteration generates a next bootstrap region that minimally includes the current bootstrap region and may exceed the current bootstrap region. The model may change in successive iterations.