Hi! I’m Sowmya Thanam, and modelling started off as a fluke for me. The thought of this profession never crossed my mind even once. I was bored and applied for a competition online towards the end of 2016 and ended up going till the finale.
At that time, I was pursuing BA majoring in Mass Communication and Journalism/ English Literature/ Social Management at St. Francis College for Women. Slowly I started collaborating with fashion photographers in Hyderabad and building my modelling portfolio.
It’s a slow process, and I like keeping myself occupied and productive. One of these photographers that I worked with ( honestly most of my shoots in life)was Shreyak Singh. The first-ever shoot we did was probably for like 15mins. We clicked instantly.
PROFESSIONAL MODEL
This was the time where I knew next to nothing about modelling or modelling portfolio. Shreyak was very patient and always kept giving me suggestions on how I can do better. One of the best shoots I’ve ever done was a shoot we did for the first edition of The Meraki Project magazine. During the course of these multiple shoots, we ended up becoming good friends.
PROFESSIONAL MODEL
After I was done with my education, I wasn’t sure if I should move to Mumbai to pursue modelling full time. Shreyak was one of those friends who kept giving me the support and assuring me that I capable of doing this. I moved to Mumbai in April 2019. Hyderabad and Mumbai are completely opposite to each other in every way possible.
PROFESSIONAL MODEL
When you’re in a new city, you need to start making your mark right from the beginning. I kept going to a lot of auditions and casting calls and often ended up not hearing from them. But, that’s exactly how this industry is, isn’t it? All you can do, keep your wits with yourself and keep working harder and smarter.
I only and most important advice or suggestion I can give to any new and upcoming models is that, believe in yourself. Believe that you are enough and keep doing shoots and improve your skill.
Follow her work and message her for work-related queries. Instagram: Sowmya Thanam