After finishing his degree in print journalism from the University of Illinois in Champaign Urbana in 1996, Hanson began a freelance career working with numerous agencies, newspapers and corporate clients. Moving to Denver in 2000 he became the photo editor for Citysearch.com. Hanson received an M.A. in visual communication from Ohio University and joined the Houston Chronicle in 2006. He is grateful the Chronicle allowed him to attend The Platypus Workshop that gave him the skills to juggle stills and video. Hanson and his wife Megan are proud parents of a 3-month-old son, Jack Henry.