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.

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

30 reviews

S
Sheena
Rating: 5
•May 30, 2026
Recommend 1000%
I was incredibly fortunate to have Xiao as the photographer for our wedding registration photos at the NGA. She is not only an exceptionally talented photographer but also an absolute pleasure to work with. I had participated in several professional photoshoots before, I can honestly say that it is rare to meet a photographer who takes the time to learn about our story, understand what we value, and discover our personal style in order to create a truly meaningful and tailored experience. Her photographs are truly works of art. The way she captures the interplay of light, architecture, portraiture, and emotion is extraordinary. Every photo feels thoughtfully composed, balancing elegance, intimacy, and the beauty of the surroundings. More importantly, these photos truly embrace our personalities and the love between us. Xiao is also remarkably patient, kind, and encouraging. Since my husband and I were a bit stiff and unsure of how to interact in front of the camera in the beginning (perhaps because we had just gotten married!), she guided us effortlessly throughout the session. Her direction felt almost cinematic—like a film director bringing a scene to life. Through her excellent communication skills and warm personality, she made every smile and moment of laughter feel natural and authentic. Not only did the photographs turn out beautifully, but she also helped create an unforgettable and enjoyable memory for us on one of the most important days of our lives. When we unexpectedly learned that the NGA west wing would be closed to the public due to a private event during our scheduled session, Xiao quickly coordinated with us and adapted our plans, ensuring that everything still ran smoothly despite the unexpected circumstances. We are so grateful for all of Xiao’s hard work, creativity, and dedication. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone still searching for THE photographer in the DMV area. If you’re looking for someone who can capture not only beautiful image but also genuine emotions and meaningful moments, Xiao is the one!! Recommend 1000%!
IL
Iris L.
Rating: 5
•May 18, 2026
BEST Photographer
Working with Xiao at Just a Present was such a comfortable and easy experience. From planning to the actual shoot day, everything felt really smooth and stress free. My husband and I are both a little awkward in front of the camera, but Xiao made us feel relaxed. She was really good at guiding us naturally without making the poses feel forced, and she also captured so many candid moments that ended up being some of our favorite photos. What I loved most was her eye for little details and moments we didn’t even notice at the time. The photos feel very natural, warm, and genuinely “us.” Super grateful we found her.
L
Lena
Rating: 5
•Apr 7, 2026
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.