However, when creating such a facial image, the artist must consider the musculoskeletal changes that occur when a person smiles, particularly the concomitant changes in soft tissue contours. This study illustrated and documented the nature and extent of these changes to provide a guideline for the forensic artist when creating composite drawings or facial reconstructions. A wire grid was constructed with individual units measuring 23x25 millimeters. Twenty-five volunteers, ranging in age from 21 to 63, were photographed from the front and side, placing their noses against a fixed spot on the grid. Photographs were taken of each subject in a relaxed position and smiling. Each image pair was adjusted until the corresponding grids were in perfect alignment. The facial features were then traced and direct comparisons made between the relaxed and smiling photographs. All changes in soft tissue contours were noted on a matrix. 4 figures and 8 references