I’ve often asked myself the same question, @Aster.
Sometimes photos can be taken on the same day and in one I look fine and in the other, I look tired or even like someone else entirely. I think that (as stated above) lighting, and angle and even make-up (or lack thereof) play a major difference in how you look.
For a good case in point, study photos of Madonna who is probably one of the most photographed persons on the planet. In candid shots taken on the street, she looks her age or older. She actually has a photographer to shoot her on official functions and she then will release these photos to the public….choosing the photos to be released. But sometimes, the paps get there first and the camera is not forgiving.
Recently, she was shot while directing her film (on Wallis Simpson). Here she is in a candid shot: link
And here she is at around the same time, fully made up, with her daughter and “striking a pose” at her daughter’s clothing launch….link
I guess I just wanted to say….it even happens to the glitterati.