Behind the Scenes at Sheraton Grand Da Nang

When I got the chance to collaborate with Sheraton Grand Da Nang Resort, I didn’t really know what to expect. It was my first time working with such a high-end resort, and I’ll admit, I was a little nervous.

Sheraton didn’t just give us a space to work—they gave us an experience. They planned out a detailed itinerary, prepared some incredible settings, and made sure everything ran smoothly. From the start, it was clear that this wasn’t just another photoshoot.

The Presidential Suite: A Photographer’s Dream

Our day began in the presidential suite, and let me tell you, this place is unreal. It’s not just any room—it’s the suite where world leaders and VIPs stay. We even had to take a private elevator to get there, which made the whole experience feel extra special.

The suite itself is massive, with a design that’s both elegant and comfortable. But what really stood out to me was the light. As a natural light photographer, I couldn’t have asked for a better setting. The way the sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows was perfect for capturing soft, authentic portraits.

The view? Absolutely breathtaking. The suite overlooks Sheraton’s iconic infinity pool, which seems to melt right into the horizon. It was the perfect backdrop for our photos, and I couldn’t wait to start shooting.

Testing My New Camera

This project was also the perfect chance to try out my new Sony A7CR camera. I’d only had it for a few weeks, so I was excited to see how it performed in a setting like this. The suite gave me plenty of opportunities to experiment with natural light, different angles, and compositions.

Meda, our model, was incredible to work with. She brought so much energy to the shoot, and the combination of her confidence and the stunning setting made every shot feel effortless.

The Iconic Infinity Pool

After wrapping up in the presidential suite, we headed down to Sheraton’s infinity pool—and wow, it’s just as stunning in person as it looks in photos. The pool is one of the resort’s most iconic features, designed to blend seamlessly into the horizon. It feels like the water stretches out to meet the ocean, and the result is nothing short of magical.

This was the perfect spot for capturing dynamic, fun shots. Meda even took a kayak out on the pool, which added some playful energy to the shoot. Those candid moments—her laughing, the ripples in the water, the golden light—were some of my favorites to photograph.

If you’re a photographer looking for inspiration or just someone who loves beautiful views, this infinity pool is a must-see. I’ve written more about other Instagram-worthy locations in Da Nang if you’re planning a trip and want more ideas.

Working with a Professional Makeup Team

One of the highlights of this project was getting to work with the talented team from Vyna Makeup Artist & Academy. Their professionalism and attention to detail made such a difference.

Watching them work was inspiring—they didn’t just apply makeup; they elevated Meda’s natural beauty and created a look that perfectly complemented the setting and lighting. As someone who usually works with smaller setups, having a team like this was a new experience for me, and it really opened my eyes to the value of collaboration.

A Word of Thanks

I want to take a moment to thank Sheraton Grand Da Nang Resort for hosting us and making this experience so seamless. Their team went above and beyond to ensure we had everything we needed, and their support made it possible for us to focus entirely on creating.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jim Grootes (@jim.grootes)

Collaborating with a resort of this caliber was a big step for me, and it reminded me why I love what I do. It’s not just about the photos—it’s about the people, the creativity, and the chance to grow.


This project was such a special experience. If you’re ever in Da Nang, I can’t recommend the Sheraton Grand Da Nang enough. And if you’re curious about the gear I used for this shoot, check out my thoughts on the Sony A7CR.

Thanks for reading, and let me know if you’d like to see more behind-the-scenes stories like this one!

More Posts