Mogens von Haven

Mogens von Haven / Museum Odense

A competitor tumbles off his motorcycle during the Motorcross World Championship at the Volk Mølle race course in Randers, Denmark, on 28 August 1955. This photograph was the first ever World Press Photo of the Year.

Mogens von Haven (1917–1999) was a Danish photographer born in Randers. From 1946 he worked as a freelance photographer in Copenhagen where he sold his work to several different magazines. His photographs were also used in information campaigns and commercials. One of his main photographic interests was within high-tempo sports coverage. In the 1950s he developed a distinctive specialty in ballet, photographing rehearsals, performances, and leading soloists of the Royal Danish Ballet. His exhibitions and books helped draw international attention to the company in the post-war years. Beyond stage and sport, he produced notable portraits, especially of dancers and musicians. From 1962 to 1965 he chaired the Danish Press Photo Organization
(Pressefotografforbundet). Later in life he donated his archive of negatives to the Danish Media Museum in Odense, ensuring long-term access to his work.