What Does "Limited Edition" Really Mean in Fine Art Photography?

What "Limited Edition" Actually Means

What does Limited Edition mean when it comes to photography? This simply means that the prints that were created are limited to the number shown in the edition.  For example, 1/5 + 1 AP is print number 1 of 5 prints, plus one Artists Proof print.  Once the edition is printed, the artist promises not to print more of that edition beyond the number stated.

Of course, to a lot of artists, it means slightly different things in how they approach it.  Some will print multiple editions, for instance one edition in one format, and another edition that's a different format. If an artist does this, their Certificate of Authenticity ("CoA") should clearly state which edition (and format) that specific print belongs to. 

How I approach my Editions

The way I approach my limited editions is quite straight forward. I typically print in a single edition, although I do have a few prints that have two different editions, but never more than two, and it's always stated up front.  Why two editions? …Experimentation with what I sell, whether it's format or process, but typically it's process.  I have started editions that use Platinum Palladium processes, so one edition is carbon print, which can last in excess of 200 years, and the Platinum Palladium prints which can last in excess of 2,000 years.

Why I destroy the Digital File

When the edition is sold, I destroy the digital file to ensure the piece lives on as tangible artwork that cannot be recreated from the original file.  To be completely transparent, there will be modified jpgs that live on in my social media accounts, but the original, full resolution images and the source RAW file are permanently deleted.  Some feel it's quite "hard core", but in my eyes, if the edition is limited and already sold, the original digital files are no longer relevant.

What do you think?