How to Smile
All body types from lollipop to venus will appear thinner, curvier, smaller or larger on film depending on a list of variables so colossal, I'd need to manage an isolated weblog on the subject.
And that's not even considering the technical choices made by the photographer (ergo, when a party photographer stands inches from your face she is indeed wielding a wide-angle lens and you should suddenly feel faint and run to the loo, or risk amplification of everything you love and loathe about your face and figure).
Here's an example of why explaining the variables for how enhancing your appearance in photographs requires a bevvy of resources. How to Smile, as seen in this video from Ms. Banks, consumes no less than four minutes.
Alternatively, forgo the flick and take a shot of your favorite grain alcohol or sip on champagne during the shoot. I keep a case of Sophia Blanc de Blancs in the fridge (get the cans. their adorable and have a dark pink straw. Do, however, let the new intern know it is not juice or she may roll into the studio, grab a can and have an instant buzz at 10am. Sorry about that one Susan.
