Photography
On the Sinis Peninsula
There are plenty of great photo subjects waiting for you in Sardinia. Here are a few tips for your shots:
Landscape photos are best taken during the first 4 hours after sunrise or during the last 4 hours until sunset.
During these hours the light is best, the colours are stronger and the contrasts are enhanced by the longer shadows.
If possible, you should avoid the midday sun, the light is so intense that the colours appear downright “washed out”.
The use of a polarising filter is recommended. This filter can (within certain limits) block reflections. This makes the sky even bluer, the clouds more vivid and the water appears clearer.
The colours of the landscapes also become much more intense because the stray light from leaves, grasses and sometimes rocks is reduced.
With compact cameras, unfortunately, the use of such a filter is somewhat awkward. On most models, an additional tube is slipped over the lens and the correct position of the filter has to be checked on the camera screen. Especially in bright sunlight, however, not much can be seen on these screens. So you have to shade them somehow.
Because a polarising filter “swallows” a lot of light, the use of a tripod is recommended.
Special care is required on the beach. The sand, which is very fine in many places, penetrates even the smallest cracks in your photo equipment.
It is best to avoid days with strong winds, because your camera can hardly be protected from the swirling grains of sand.
Splashes of salt water are also quite annoying because, although they dry quickly, they always leave salt stains. So only remove the lens cap briefly to take a picture.
Salt stains are best dissolved with a few drops of fresh water before removal, otherwise you will get scratches.
If you plan to do a lot of water-based photography, it may be worthwhile to buy a waterproof case for underwater photography – if only to protect your camera from sand and splashes.
Always ask locals before taking photos!
If you want to photograph locals, always ask permission first! (Posso scattare una foto?)
Usually, the Sardinians have no objection to such a photograph, but remember that everyone has the right to his or her picture. So for publications you need a modelling contract.
For performances and costume parades at the many festivals, however, you can assume that the actors have given their silent consent.
Avoid photographing any military installations. NATO has quite a presence in Sardinia.
In museums, flash photography is generally prohibited, and sometimes you have to buy an extra photo permit.
When visiting caves, the use of a flash is also prohibited. The use of a tripod is only allowed in exceptional cases when very few visitors are taking part in the tour.
Photo accessories and cameras are sold everywhere in Sardinia, but they are much more expensive than in other countries. Also, the range of products in the small shops is naturally not very extensive. So it’s best to bring memory cards, batteries and other important accessories with you.
Despite the triumph of digital cameras, some people still use film. If it has already become problematic to obtain film material in your home country, this is almost impossible in Sardinia.
You can buy relatively inexpensive photo equipment in the duty-free area of Samnaun. (see journey by car)
However, be sure to keep within the maximum limit for exporting goods to the EU. Austrian customs are very active here.