Limited Edition Fine Art Print - What does this mean?

As both a photographer and gallery owner, I’ve always believed that the way artwork is created and sold should reflect the same care and integrity that goes into making it. Every image I release has its own story and connection to place, and I want the way I handle my limited editions to honour that sense of authenticity and trust.

I produce a range of limited edition fine art prints  but what does that actually mean, and what is my approach to creating them?

In photography, the term edition refers to the total number of prints made of a single image. There are typically two types of print editions: limited and open. A limited edition means that only a fixed number of prints are produced, which makes each one more scarce, valuable, and collectible. Limited edition prints are marked with both their edition size and number — for example, 1/20 means that this print is the first of 20 in the edition. In contrast, open editions have no limit on the number of prints that can be made.

When the print run is small, a print’s value is enhanced by its relative rarity. I’ve noticed that some photographers produce very large editions (sometimes over 100), which in my opinion doesn’t hold much value - unless, of course, it’s an iconic image by a photographer of international fame! Generally speaking, for contemporary art to hold or increase its value over time, it is best to keep edition sizes low. My limited editions range from a single print to a maximum of 40.

Another common practice I’ve observed is to release the same image in multiple editions at different sizes - for instance, 60 small, 60 medium, and 60 large prints, totalling 180. To me, that undermines the integrity of a limited edition. I have always felt that to honour my collectors and maintain transparency, an edition should be limited across all sizes. If an image is an edition of five, that will be the total number produced over its lifetime, no matter the size.

Each of my limited edition prints is signed, numbered, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity attached to the back of the frame. They are archivally framed using conservation glass and printed with pigment inks on fine art paper - ensuring both the longevity and quality that collectors expect.

Over the years, I’ve come to see that the true worth of an edition isn’t defined by the number in the corner, but by the connection between the artwork and the person who chooses to live with it. Yes, limited edition prints can retain or even increase in value, but my advice has always been to collect what you love — and if it appreciates over time, consider that an added bonus.