Just a Present @FilmbyXiao


Full wedding (ceremony and reception) pricing

Prices start at $2,499

Elopement pricing

Prices start at $1,599

Packages

Prices start at $999


About Just a Present @FilmbyXiao

FilmbyXiao

Head Photographer

Welcome to Just a Present Visual Studio, where every moment is crafted into a lasting memory. I'm based in the DMV area, specializing in capturing life's most cherished moments through a unique lens. Follow my journey and let’s create something beautiful together.

With a background as a documentary filmmaker, I bring a unique storytelling approach to my work, ensuring that each moment is captured with authenticity and depth. Your love story deserves to be captured in a way that’s as unique and authentic as you are. At Just a Present, I don’t just take photos—I create timeless memories that reflect your true connection.

Best of Zola 2026
Best of Zola 2025

Services

Services

  • Bride-only session
  • Drone photography
  • Engagement session
  • Extra hours
  • Image editing
  • Online proofing
  • Printing rights
  • Same-day edits
  • Second photographer

Photo formats

  • Digital
  • Film
  • Hybrid

Deliverables

  • Digital files
  • Digital rights
  • Online gallery

Just a Present @FilmbyXiao packages

4hrs Wedding

4 hours

Peak pricing $2,399-2,899

Off-peak pricing $1,999-2,899

Description

4hr. Wedding 24-hour Previews 80 Retouched Photos Turnaround within 6o days

What’s included
  • High-res gallery for downloadable images

6hrs Wedding

6 hours

Peak pricing $2,899-2,999

Off-peak pricing $2,699-2,999

Description

- 6hr. Wedding - 24-hour Previews - 200 Retouched Photos - Turnaround within 6o days

What’s included
  • High-res gallery for downloadable images

8hrs Wedding

8 hours

Peak pricing $3,199-3,999

Off-peak pricing $2,999-5,999

Description

- one or two Photographers - 8hrs continuous coverage (additional hour: +$390) - 48-hour Previews - 300+ Retouched Photographs - Turnaround within 6o days - Complimentary film photos

What’s included
  • High-res gallery for downloadable images

3hrs ELOPEMENT/PRE WEDDING

3 hours

Peak pricing $1,999-2,699

Off-peak pricing $1,899-2,699

Description

- Fully-retouched 18 Pieces

What’s included
  • High-res gallery for downloadable images

Reviews

Write a review
Rating: 5.0

5.0 out of 5

28 reviews

  • L

    Lena

    Rating: 5
    Apr 7

    Top 5 on my list for best photographers

    TLDR: I am VERY PARTICULAR about photos. Despite not having any knowledge in photography, I have a particular style that I like and love it when the photographer takes charge because I am not creative. Xiao and her assistant are exactly that team, and if you like light, airy, wispy-like photos, look no further. My husband and I booked Just a Present @FilmbyXiao for a couples photoshoot in DC during cherry blossom season and couldn't have been happier with our choice. We had an extremely disappointing experience with another photographer during cherry blossom season the year before we met Xiao, and the photos from last year were just not up to my standards. That photographer suggested a time that was convenient for her (despite knowing that mass crowds form in the afternoon-evening, selected a date when the cherry blossoms were gone and when students had their field trips, didn't have a whole lot of ideas for posing, and photo quality was subpar). Not wanting to miss cherry blossom season again, I was pretty desperate to find a photographer who could capture what I wanted since this is our last year in DC. I looked at Xiao's work on instagram by chance and felt like she was a good fit, but I didn't realize how great of a photographer she was until I met her in person. From the start, early in the morning, she and her assistant took charge when it came to posing, suggesting angles and compositions that made our photos look incredible. I have zero creativity, so I really appreciated it when Xiao took charge of helping us with poses. Her assistant was also very sweet and brought the equipment and props. The quality of their work is outstanding, and honestly, the photos turned out so much better than I expected. We'd absolutely recommend them to any couple looking for a photographer who knows their craft and cares about getting it right.

  • T

    Tina

    Rating: 5
    Mar 14, 2026

    Photo-shooting Review

    Just a Present @FilmbyXiao were the perfect wedding photographers for our special day. From the start, her communication was professional, caring, and highly effective, putting us at ease throughout the entire process. The quality of their work exceeded our expectations - she seamlessly included everyone in the photos and captured our day in a way that made it feel like a truly cherished memory. We were extremely happy with the final results and cannot recommend Just a Present @FilmbyXiao enough to any couple looking for talented, personable photographers to document their wedding.

  • A

    Anita

    Rating: 5
    Mar 13, 2026

    The most talented wedding photographer in DMV

    Our collaboration with Xiao was incredible. She is the most talented photographer my husband and I have ever worked with, and the images left us speechless. The lighting and scenery were stunning, and Xiao mastered every composition for our couple’s session. We reached out to Xiao at the very last minute for our civil ceremony, and she responded immediately with detailed guidance. She knew the best locations for photos at the National Gallery of Art and even provided a veil and flowers to make the images truly stand out. Xiao was a pleasure to work with—always responsive and attentive to our requests. We will certainly reach out for future sessions. Thank you for capturing these precious moments; we will truly treasure them.

  • YI

    Yi

    Rating: 5
    Mar 12, 2026

    Customer

    From the moment we first contacted Just a Present @FilmbyXiao, we were impressed by her warm, responsive, and easy communication style. Her work is truly exceptional - natural, beautiful, and elegant. On our wedding day, the photographer was a calming presence, capturing every small detail and genuine moment without ever interrupting the flow of our very personal and hands-on ceremony. We are thrilled with the stunning photos that perfectly preserve the memories of our special day.

  • J

    Jaden

    Rating: 5
    Mar 12, 2026

    Most talented photographer

    Xiao saved the day for us! Her photos were amazing! We took photos at the National Gallery of Art, which does not allow real flowers. Xiao was so prepared because she brought fake flowers and a veil for my wife. She gave us plenty of time to take photos inside and outside on a cold day, and they turned out amazing! My Mom (who is trained as a photographer) said these were the best photos we have taken together. Xiao speaks both Mandarin and English.