Chicago Drone Photography and Drone Videography
FAA-certified aerial photos and video for real estate, construction, brands, events and weddings across Chicago and Chicagoland, planned legally and delivered in 4K or 6K by a full-service production team.
FAA-Certified Drone Services From a Full Production Company
Kenneth L. Dixon Photography, Video Production & Drone provides FAA Part 107 certified aerial photography and videography for commercial productions, real estate, construction, events, weddings and brand campaigns across Chicago and Chicagoland. Every flight is legal, planned in advance and delivered in 4K or 6K.
Most drone operators only fly. We are a full photography and video production company, which means the aerials are planned as part of your story, shot with the right light and movement, and edited and color graded alongside your ground footage. You can book drone on its own or combine it with photography and video in a single shoot day.
Chicago airspace is one of the most complex in the country because of O'Hare, Midway and the downtown core. We handle FAA airspace authorization, LAANC clearances and location permissions as part of pre-production, so there are no compliance surprises on your project.
Chicago Drone Photography and Videography Services
Six ways Chicago businesses and families use aerial content. Tap a video to play it with sound.
Commercial Drone Videography for Brands
Aerial footage makes a brand feel bigger. We plan drone shots into your commercial, product launch or company film so the aerials match the look of the ground footage, then edit and color everything in-house. This piece for a food manufacturer combines facility aerials with production details to tell a complete story.
Real Estate and Architectural Drone Photography
Aerial photos and video show what ground photos cannot: the lake view, the neighborhood, the lot lines and how a building sits in the skyline. We fly for luxury listings, condo towers, commercial properties and architects, including twilight aerials that make listings stand out.
Construction Progress and Site Documentation
Regular drone flights document construction progress from the same angles over time, giving owners, developers and contractors clear visual updates and marketing assets when the project opens. We also photograph completed commercial sites, campuses and venues.
Event and Venue Drone Coverage
Festivals, races, stadium events, corporate gatherings and venue marketing all benefit from a sense of scale. We coordinate with organizers and venues on flight windows and safety so aerials capture the crowd and setting without disrupting the event.
Landscape, Lakefront and Wedding Aerials
Chicago’s parks, lakefront and skyline are made for aerial photography. We capture landscapes and tourism imagery, and add drone coverage to weddings and celebrations where venues and airspace allow, giving couples cinematic establishing shots of their day.
See landscape photography and wedding photography.
Top-Down and Social Media Aerials
Overhead, top-down shots are some of the most scroll-stopping content on social media. This Off the Dribble piece uses a straight-down drone angle to turn a basketball court into a graphic frame. We shoot vertical and horizontal versions so the same flight works for Reels, TikTok and YouTube.
Who Uses Our Chicago Drone Services
From one-time listing flights to recurring construction updates and full brand productions.
Real Estate Agents and Developers
Listing aerials, twilight shots, neighborhood context and property tour video.
Real estate →Construction and Engineering
Monthly progress flights, milestone documentation and completion photos.
Construction →Brands and Agencies
Aerial shots for commercials, brand films, product launches and campaigns.
Commercial drone →Hotels, Venues and Hospitality
Rooftops, patios, golf and entertainment venues shown in their best light.
Hospitality →Couples and Families
Wedding, elopement and celebration aerials where venues and airspace allow.
Elopements →Why FAA Part 107 Certification Matters for Drone Work in Chicago
Every commercial drone flight in the United States requires an FAA Part 107 certified remote pilot. Hiring an uncertified operator puts your project at risk of fines, grounded shoots and footage you cannot legally use. Kenneth is FAA Part 107 certified, and every flight we run is planned around airspace rules, weather, people on the ground and location permissions.
Much of Chicago sits inside controlled airspace around O'Hare, Midway and downtown, so we secure LAANC airspace authorization in advance and coordinate with venues, property managers and the Chicago Park District where needed. If a location cannot be flown safely or legally, we tell you up front and plan alternatives.
📍 1021 W Adams St Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60607
Our Drone Photography and Video Process
Safe, legal and organized from first call to final delivery.
Plan and Authorize
We review the location, airspace and goals, secure LAANC authorization and confirm permissions.
Shot List and Timing
We plan angles, movement and the best light, with weather backup dates when needed.
Flight Day
A certified pilot flies safely, capturing photos and video in 4K or 6K.
Edit and Deliver
Color-graded photos and edited aerial video, ready for listings, ads, social and web.
What Clients Say
Rated 5.0 on Google by businesses and creatives across Chicago.
He's not scared to take risks, all while keeping you comfortable. I can say with fact he stays in budget, is punctual, and professional.
Kenneth is always attentive to the smallest details, goes above and beyond, and ensures the final product is something all parties involved are happy with.
He is professional and efficient and best of all his work is amazing. I definitely recommend booking him if you want professional and great looking videos and pics that stand out from the crowd.
Why Chicago Clients Choose Us for Drone Work
FAA Part 107 Certified
Every commercial flight is run by a certified remote pilot.
Airspace Handled for You
LAANC authorization and location permissions included in pre-production.
Cinematic, Not Just Aerial
Shots planned for story, light and movement, not random fly-overs.
Photo, Video and Drone in One
Combine aerials with ground photography and video in a single shoot.
In-House Editing and Color
Aerials graded to match your ground footage and brand look.
12+ Years Full-Time
A Chicago production company working full-time since 2014.
Chicago Drone Services FAQs
Have a location in mind? Call (708) 296-9087 or send us the address and we will check the airspace.
Is your drone pilot FAA certified?
Yes. Kenneth is an FAA Part 107 certified remote pilot, which is required for any commercial drone flight in the United States.
Can you fly a drone in downtown Chicago?
Often, yes, but much of Chicago is controlled airspace near O'Hare, Midway and downtown. We check every location in advance, request LAANC authorization where available and confirm any property or park permissions. If a location cannot be flown legally or safely, we will tell you and suggest alternatives.
How much does drone photography cost in Chicago?
It depends on the location, airspace requirements, number of flights, whether you need photos, video or both, and editing. Share your address and goals and we will send a clear quote.
Do you offer both drone photography and drone video?
Yes. We capture aerial photos and video on the same flight and can combine them with ground photography and video production.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Drones cannot fly safely in heavy rain, strong wind or poor visibility. We monitor the forecast and reschedule to the next available date when conditions are not safe.
Can you add drone coverage to a wedding or event?
Yes, where the venue allows it and the airspace permits. We plan flight windows around the schedule so aerials never interrupt key moments.
What resolution do you deliver?
Aerial video and photos are delivered in 4K or 6K, edited and color graded, in formats ready for web, social, listings and ads.
Do you provide recurring construction progress flights?
Yes. We can fly the same angles on a regular schedule so you have consistent before, during and after documentation of your project.
More from Kenneth L. Dixon Photography, Video Production & Drone
Combine aerials with Chicago video production, photography services, real estate photography, construction media and commercial drone videography.
Book FAA-Certified Drone Coverage in Chicago
Send us the location, date and what you need captured. We will check the airspace and reply with a plan and a clear quote.
1021 W Adams St Suite 200, Chicago, IL 60607