1. A method for representing an image, the method comprising: extracting information reflecting one or more characteristics of an image; computing a first histogram vector based on the information extracted, wherein the first histogram vector includes one or more vector elements, each representing information for a different characteristic extracted for the image; identifying multiple subsets within at least one of the vector elements included in the first histogram vector; and creating a second histogram vector that includes a vector element for each of the subsets identified within the vector elements included in the first histogram vector, wherein data within the vector elements of the second histogram vector represent the image characteristics extracted.