My name is John Parejo, and I founded what is now NOTEC MEDIA in 2017. Theres a story behind it though, a lifelong journey…
As a child I always had an obsession with mechanical things. The way they worked, until they didn’t, and the satisfaction of teardown & repair. One particular gadget mom had was a Pentax K1000 SLR. Built like a tank, analog, and fully manual. I had many cameras growing up, but none were as infatuating as that K1000. Winding the film, setting aperture/shutter speeds, and dialing in focus. So much thought went into a single photo. Time went on, and I became a troubled teenager, forgetting all about the fun and meaning of making photos. That camera spent over a decade in one of moms keep boxes until I convinced her to pass it on to me. Although I never got the kind of images she did, it was an inspirational heirloom.
I didn’t have any real artistic talent. I spent more time with dads Polaroid, and disposable cameras, just for ease of use. Eventually I quit enjoying creating images all together. The challenges I faced in life got the best of me, and alcohol took over for the majority of it. In 2017, I got sober, and I struggled with living life on life’s terms. Feeling everything again. And not feeling like I would ever have fun anymore. I needed something new. Something I could pursue with a clear head, enjoy, and have fun with. I bought myself my first DSLR, not expecting what would come next. “It just took ahold of me completely -consumed my life. From that point, I identified as a photographer” -Peter McKinnon
I’ve been a mechanic my whole life. Anything and everything with an engine fuels my interest. It has been a struggle continuing to be so involved with the motorsports community in sobriety. Being able to use a camera in ways to feel included, yet keep my mind occupied enough to prevent the cravings, has allowed me to continue my life long passion. “It pretty much still allows me to have my love affair with cars. Showcase what its all about” -Larry Chen
Today I'm grateful. Grateful to be alive. Grateful for my friends and family that support and believe in me. Grateful for all media credentials I receive for another opportunity to push myself to keep improving. I still have that 40 year old Pentax, and it usually has a roll of film loaded ready to scratch the itch when it develops. My dreams of becoming an automotive photographer are continuously being fulfilled. One day at a time.
