In a world where thousands of images are shared every minute, only a few truly tell stories that move people. Behind many of the powerful news photographs seen across Spain stands Teresa Sanz González, a journalist who has built her life around truth, resilience, and responsibility. As Head of the Photography section at Europa Press, Spain’s leading private news agency, she carries the daily responsibility of ensuring that reality is reported with honesty and depth.
Portraits: Alberto Ortega/Europa Press
Her journey did not begin inside a busy newsroom. It started in a classroom when she was just a child with a passion for storytelling.
A Childhood Dream Rooted in Storytelling
Teresa Sanz González clearly remembers when her teachers chose her to represent her school in a writing contest during sixth grade. She did not win the competition, but that moment shaped her future. For the first time, she understood that telling stories was what she loved most.
While many writers dream of creating fictional worlds, she felt drawn to reality. She wanted to understand the world as it truly was, even when it was difficult or uncomfortable. Stories about real people, real events, and real struggles were the ones that mattered most.
That early discovery guided her educational choices and eventually led her into journalism.
Inspired by Global Journalism
When deciding on her career path, Teresa Sanz González found inspiration in respected journalist Rosa María Calaf, whose international reporting for Radio Televisión Española covered global cities and regions including New York, Moscow, Buenos Aires, the Balkans, and Asia Pacific. Journalism, she realized, was not just a profession. It was a mission to help society understand complex realities.
In photography, she admired renowned photojournalists such as Don McCullin and Steve McCurry. Their work demonstrated how a single image can communicate what words sometimes cannot.
These influences shaped her belief that journalism must serve the truth above all.
Navigating Spain’s Economic Crisis
Eighteen years ago, Spain’s severe economic crisis deeply affected the media sector. Thousands of professionals lost their jobs, and newsroom stability disappeared almost overnight.
For Teresa Sanz González, this period became a turning point. She learned not to attach her identity to titles or positions. Humility, adaptability, and continuous learning became central to her professional philosophy.
She committed to strengthening her skills whenever possible, understanding that growth must be ongoing in an ever-changing industry.
Relaunching the Photojournalism Section
One of the defining milestones of her career came when she took responsibility for relaunching the Photojournalism section at Europa Press. It required vision, leadership, and determination.
At the same time, she was raising her son and caring for her mother during her final years. Balancing leadership with family responsibilities made this chapter both emotionally intense and professionally demanding.
Yet she persevered. Under her direction, the Photography section regained strength and solidified its role within Spain’s media landscape.
Leading More Than One Hundred Photographers
Today, Teresa Sanz González oversees a team of more than one hundred photographers across Spain. The agency produces approximately 1,500 images daily, covering politics, culture, sports, social events, and breaking news.
Her responsibilities include coordinating national coverage, managing budgets, reviewing images, verifying captions, and ensuring the highest standards of accuracy and speed.
But her leadership goes beyond operations. She emphasizes empathy and communication, understanding that journalism can be emotionally demanding. She believes that when professionals feel supported and respected, their work reflects greater quality and integrity.
Protecting Truth Through Photography
In an era marked by digital manipulation and misinformation, photojournalism remains a guardian of truth. For Teresa Sanz González, photography is not merely visual impact — it is context, ethics, and credibility.
Each image has the power to shape public perception and preserve history. Maintaining accuracy and responsible storytelling is essential.
Through her work at Europa Press, she contributes to raising standards and reinforcing trust in Spanish photojournalism.
A Legacy of Empathy and Determination
When asked how she hopes to be remembered, Teresa Sanz González does not mention awards or titles. She hopes to be known as an efficient and empathetic professional who genuinely cared for her team.
Her advice to young professionals is clear: never tolerate disrespectful behavior in the workplace. Integrity and respect are non-negotiable.
She also encourages persistence. If a goal is realistic and pursued with consistent effort, results will come.
From a sixth-grade writing contest to leading the Photography section of Spain’s leading private news agency, Teresa Sanz González has built a career defined by resilience, truth, and human connection.
Through the images she helps bring to the public every day, she continues to shape how Spain sees itself and understands the world.
Do connect her on LinkedIn
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