Apparatus and methods of generating magnetization transfer contrast images in which signal to noise ratios are improved and/or in which image acquisition times are reduced. In certain embodiments, apparatus and methods which utilize sensitivity and/or non-sensitivity to magnetization transfer effects to improve the contrast of images which are generated. In certain additional embodiments, apparatus and methods for generating magnetization transfer contrast images which exhibit sensitivity to longitudinal and transverse relaxation times of bound and free proton pools, respectively.