Night drone filming
Outside daylight hours, with the right permission
Drone filming in the evening and at night
A city lighting up, a skyline full of lights, an event that only really starts after sunset. Some shots can only be made in the dark. Drone Chiefs makes aerial footage in the evening and at night, outside the official daylight period (UDP). We have flown around the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam after sunset, over the illuminated Johan Cruijff ArenA, along the Erasmus Bridge and Kop van Zuid in Rotterdam and over the Europoort refineries, among others. For De Vliegende Cameraman we filmed Winter Efteling, when the park opened especially for us. With the full-frame DJI Inspire 3 and dual native ISO, even night shots stay sharp and atmospheric.
What does flying outside daylight hours mean?
The uniform daylight period (UDP) is the period from sunrise to sunset as officially defined in the Netherlands. A drone flight in the evening or at night falls outside that period.
• Professional flights outside the UDP require extra preparation and, depending on the location and the flight, an exemption or authorisation
• The drone must be clearly visible to other air traffic
• In controlled airspace, such as the Rotterdam The Hague Airport control zone, we coordinate the flight with air traffic control
• We scout the location in daylight beforehand, so we know the obstacles and risks
Frequently asked questions about night drone filming
Can a drone fly in the dark?
Yes, but not just like that. Professional flights outside the official daylight period require a special exemption. Drone Chiefs holds that exemption and flies in the Specific category under Operational Authorisation NLD-OAT-041-05G.
How far ahead should I plan a night shoot?
Ideally at least a few days ahead. That leaves time for flight preparation, a daylight recce and any coordination with air traffic control.
Won't night footage be too dark?
No. We fly the DJI Inspire 3, a full-frame cinema camera with dual native ISO. That keeps the image sharp and atmospheric, even in the dark.
Recent projects
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Winter Efteling, through the night
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Domino Printing showroom
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Alluminous light art festival 2024
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Elk Projecten
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Cartor, UK
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Showreel 2025
What is night footage used for?
Evening and night footage makes the difference when atmosphere and experience come first.
• Skylines and cityscapes with lights
• Events, festivals, concerts and light shows
• Theme parks, attractions and winter events
• Real estate and hotels with mood lighting
• Corporate videos and campaigns with a cinematic look
Drone Chiefs holds a special exemption for flights outside daylight hours and flies in the Specific category, under our own Operational Authorisation from the Dutch Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT): NLD-OAT-041-05G. We arrange all permissions for your night shoot.
Get in touch for a no-obligation quote
Feel free to get in touch for a no-obligation quote for aerial filming, FPV footage or a full video production.
Include the location of your project with your request. That way we can check straight away which airspace it falls in and whether extra permits or flight preparation are needed. Based on that we give you a clear quote. Productions start from €750.
It also helps to briefly describe the project and whether you only need aerial footage or a complete production including editing. Think corporate films, commercials, FPV footage or social media content.
That way we can think along quickly and send you a quote that fits your plans and your production.
