Many people are referred to us by their friends but may have never visited The Eldridge House. Here's a few of the questions people ask us prior to their portrait session.

Q. Where are you located?
A. We are situated on three acres of lovely property in Red Oak, Texas. We are about a thirty minute drive south of downtown Dallas. We can give you approximate drive times from all parts of the Metroplex. Click here for detailed directions.

Q. What should we wear for our portrait session?
A. Think timeless and classic outfits. Avoid bright colors and patterns. Solid colors are best.  Dark colors work well for formal studio shots and black and whites. White, denim, and khaki work well for outdoor color portraits. Also, black, burgundy, navy and any other earth tones work best in the Fall.  It's best for everyone in the portrait session to be dressed in the same colors.  We recommend black shoes, brown shoes, boots, sandals or no shoes at all.  Tennis shoes do not photograph well.  Consider using our extensive vintage outfit collection, or call the studio and we will be glad to answer your clothing questions.

Q. Can we have black & whites as well as color portraits in our session?
A. There is no extra charge to take black & whites, sepia, and color. Be sure to tell Bob your preferences at the start of the session.

Q. Is the Eldridge House expensive?
A. According to our survey of Dallas area photographers, we are moderately priced. We invite you to compare the quality, creativity, and portrait finishing of our studio to Dallas' most expensive photographers. You can find our complete price list here.

Q. What kind of equipment is used to take the portraits?
A. We use the best medium format cameras and lenses and some of the finest studio lights available.

Q. May we have as many people as we like in our portraits or is there an additional charge for more subjects?
A. You may have as many people in your portraits in as many combinations as we can do in the allotted time (about an hour in most instances). We have photographed groups of forty or more!

Q. What about bad weather?
A. Well, if it is pouring down rain and probably won't stop you might want to reschedule your appointment if you have your heart set on outdoor portraits. However, we take beautiful portraits with overcast skies or even intermittent rain or drizzle. This lighting can be beautiful and the golf cars can carry your family right to the covered areas for your portrait, plus we can still take great portraits in our studio.

Q. What about our own ideas or suggestions?
A. Please suggest! We love your ideas. If you see a shot in a publication that you like, clip it out. Hint: it is best to have one of our staff members make a note of your ideas on our schedule book, but also remind Bob at the beginning of your session of any portrait concepts that you have in mind.

Q. What are the time frames?
A. Your session usually takes about an hour. Images are ready for viewing in one week. Classic portrait prints are ready in about two weeks, Regal and Masterpiece portraits take four to six weeks, specialized finishes can take eight weeks or more.