1. A processor-based image acquisition and processing system including an image acquisition component comprising a lens and image sensor for acquiring a digital image, and a processing component a memory having processor-readable code embedded therein for programming the processor to perform a method of classifying and archiving images including face regions that are acquired with an image acquisition component, wherein the method comprises: identifying a group of pixels corresponding to a face region within digital image data acquired by the acquisition device; extracting a set of face analysis parameter values from said face region, said set of face analysis parameter values comprising a faceprint associated with said face region; determining a first reference faceprint for a person using a reference image captured in predetermined face-portrait conditions; determining a second reference faceprint for a person using a reference image captured using ambient conditions; analyzing said first and second reference faceprints to determine a baseline faceprint and a range of variability from said baseline associated with said person; storing results of said analyzing and using said results in the subsequent recognition of said person in a subsequent image acquired under ambient conditions.