Markus Hanke was born in Wolfenbuettel, Germany. In 2002 he began studying communication-design at the University of applied sciences and arts of Hanover. During this time he worked as an assistant for various photographers in Germany. At Conrad Piepenburg, Mats Cordt, Manu Agah, Bernd Opitz and Holger Wild.

After finishing his studies in 2008 he is working as a freelance photographer based in Hamburg, Germany. His photographs have been presented in numerous group exhibitions. His work for Magazines and Agencies is focused on people, cars and landscape photography. He is a member of the BFF.