Critical depth of field

Even small contours n a relatively flat subject like this weathered tree on Mt. Evans in Colorado can present depth of field problems.   When you want to show the wonderful detail in nature with tack sharp clarity – which is usually my goal – make sure you use a lens aperture that is small enough to provide sufficient depth of field.  In addition, make the back of the camera parallel with the plane of the subject.  If you are lazy and take a picture like this hand held, much of the time you will be disappointed in the lack of sharpness from edge to edge.  For this picture, I used f/10.