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Michael Hanke (*1972) was born in Kladno, Czech Republic. His photographic career began when he was 40 years old. However, only one year later he began to receive prestigious awards for his work, both at the regional and international levels. From the very beginning of his career, he has dedicated his work to the humanistic black & white documentary photography, focusing on long-term projects.

He is two-time World Press Photo winner. In 2017, he received 2nd prize for series of photographs documenting a thrilling atmosphere of youth chess tournaments. In 2019, he received 2nd prize for series of photographs documenting an everyday life of the handicapped athlete Zdenek Safranek. 

He became only the second Czech photographer who has managed to succeed more than once at the World Press Photo contest in its long 66-year history.

World Press Photo 
2019, 2nd prize, Sports Stories, Never Saw Him Cry
2017, 2nd prize, Sports Stories, Youth Chess Tournaments

Czech Press Photo
2017, Shortlisted, Daily Life, Ball Season
2016, Shortlisted, Sport, Day at the Races
2015, 2nd prize, Art & Entertainment, Youth Chess Tournaments
2015, Honorable Mention, Art & Entertainment, Airshow
2014, 1st prize, Art & Entertainment, Dances for Seniors
2013, 2nd prize, Art & Entertainment, Circus

Sony World Photography Awards
2021, Shortlisted, Sport, Journey to a Dream
2016, Shortlisted, Sport, Youth Chess Tournaments

International Photographer of the Year
2016, Honorable Mention, People-Children category, The Child's Dream (from photo series Airshow)
2015, 3rd prize, Sport, Youth Chess Tournaments

Email: michael.hanke@volny.cz
Phone: (+420) 602 318 266