Hi Lydia, well, first of all, yes it this photo was taken from an airplane. It was a flight from Seattle, Washington to Boise, Idaho. I got really lucky to be sitting on the right side of the plane! The name Ranier isn't so exciting, the moutain was named by and for a European explorer.
The 1.8f stop is a little misleading. Its basically just the name of the lens. Lenses are usually named by their widest possible aperture. so the lenses I took the photo with is called a 50mm 1.8. Its a great and affordable lens in my opinioni. I think this photo was probably taken at a 2.8f stop, as its the sharpest with this particular lens.
You are correct in the fact that a wide aperture of 1.8 produces a great depth of field. However, when your focusing on a subject so far away their ceases to be any depth of field. so the entire picture is sharp. Hope this helps!
How many times does one get the opportunity to photograph such a magnificant scene! Taken from a plane? Great shot - lovely colours! Why is ist called "ranier"?
Please explain to me, being a total beginner: should a huge aperture like f/1.8 not render everything in front of, and behind the mountain top, totally out of focus - what is it that I don't get - please help me understand. Many thanks. Regards