Open vs. Limited Edition

What’s the Difference?

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In general, photographers will offer either open or limited edition prints for their work.

Open edition prints are “open ended” and always available. They are unnumbered (there is no “1 of 100” or “37 of 200”) and remain always available for sale. As a result, they are typically offered at a lower price point vs. limited editions.

Limited editions are just as they sound — limited to a set number of prints only. Some well-known photographers offer limited editions of 200 or 300 copies for a single photo, or even up to 1000 at times or higher. Other artists take a much more finite approach, with editions of just 50, 30, 15 or even less.

The smaller an edition size, the potentially more valuable (and scarce) a photo may become over time due to its exclusivity. This will depend, of course, on the photo and the success of an artist.

Both open and limited edition works have their strong merits and benefits.

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For my own work, I offer three basic levels or types of prints:

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SMALL – Open Edition Prints

    • All photos, always available, and accessible in 3 smaller sizes (8x12 in., 12x18 in., and 16x24 in.).
    • Great for smaller spaces, or when framing together with multiple prints to create a photo wall or collage.
    • Printed on high quality baryta fine art paper, or similar, with archival inks for great color, contrast and longevity.
    • Museum and gallery quality when properly framed.

      LARGE – Open Edition Prints

      • Select photos, always available, and accessible in larger sizes (20x30 in., 24x36 in., 32x48 in., and 40x60. in.)
      • Great for larger spaces, where a statement-level piece is desired for a bigger wall.
      • Printed on high quality baryta fine art paper, or similar, with archival inks for great color, contrast and longevity.
      • Museum and gallery quality when properly framed.
      • Comes with a signed COA (certificate of authenticity) and story about the print you purchased.

       LARGE – Limited Edition Prints

      • Highest quality, exclusive, and with limited availability.
      • Great for larger spaces, where a statement-level piece is desired for a bigger wall.
      • Offered in 3 larger sizes: 24x36 in., 32x48 in., and 40x60 in. (or 48x72 in. upon request; please contact for pricing).
      • Museum and gallery quality when properly framed.
      • Printed on Fujiflex Crystal Archive.
      • Comes with a signed COA (certificate of authenticity) and unique collector’s kit, with additional details on your photo and it’s capture. You own the unique number of the print in that edition.

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      So how to choose? All three are designed to be great options. So it really comes down to your own personal needs, budget and space.

      And regardless of the edition or size you pick, you'll be getting a high-quality print that also has a bigger impact in supporting 10% back projects in Vietnam and beyond — impacting not just your space, hopefully, but places and people, too. That's the goal.

      Still have questions?

      You can always email us (info@mattsievers.com) or send us a message on Facebook or Instagram. We are happy to assist.

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      NEXT: Learn about Sizes & Pricing.