For as long as she can remember, Martina Jackson has had a camera in her hand. What began as a creative instinct grew into a career and eventually into a tech platform designed to fix a problem she encountered again and again: photo-editing tools that simply didn’t work for everyone.
Jackson is the founder of CaptureNoire, a mobile app built to make photography and video editing accessible, intuitive and, most importantly, inclusive across all skin tones. Launched on iOS in June 2025, CaptureNoire is already gaining attention for tackling an issue long embedded in photography, film and digital technology.
Before entering the tech world, Jackson spent years building her creative business, Drea & Co., which she launched in 2015. The company focused on visual storytelling, including photography, video production and brand visuals, primarily for small, mission-driven businesses. Over time, her client list became increasingly diverse, spanning weddings, headshots, nonprofits and entrepreneurs.
“I always wanted to capture people in the best way possible,” Jackson says.
But as her portfolio expanded, so did her frustration. Many popular editing tools, including professional software such as Adobe Lightroom or everyday apps with built-in filters, produced inconsistent results across skin tones. Darker complexions were often flattened, washed out or inaccurately color-graded.
Rather than accept those limitations, Jackson began creating custom solutions for herself. She adjusted filters, tweaked presets and developed workarounds that delivered the rich, authentic look she wanted. Eventually, a bigger idea took hold: What if these tools were available to everyone, without requiring professional-level editing skills?
Designed for ease of use, the app allows users to apply more than 60 filters to photos and videos with a single tap. The technology behind those filters is optimized for darker skin tones, but Jackson says the app works beautifully across the full spectrum of complexions.
“The goal was never exclusivity,” she says. “It was accessibility.”
At its core, CaptureNoire addresses what Jackson describes as a historical technological bias, an issue that spans from early film development to modern camera sensors, algorithms, augmented reality and artificial intelligence. Many of the tools people rely on daily, she says, were never tested or designed with diverse users in mind.
By centering inclusivity at the development stage, CaptureNoire aims to challenge that pattern.
The app’s beta launch has already highlighted what users value most, starting with simplicity. Whether capturing a quick photo on the go or editing video content, users appreciate being able to achieve a polished look without technical guesswork. Another unexpected hit has been the app’s gallery feature, which allows users to organize images into curated collections, a function Jackson plans to expand into a more social, shareable experience in future updates.
Beyond the editing tools, CaptureNoire also includes a strong community component. The company launched an ambassador program alongside the beta release, providing creatives — especially younger photographers and content creators — with access to paid gigs, real-world experience and the app’s tools at no cost.
Equity, Jackson says, extends beyond the technology itself.
“Access and opportunity matter just as much as the product,” she says. “Especially for students and creatives who are just getting started.”
That philosophy has guided Jackson throughout her entrepreneurial journey. Lessons learned from building Drea & Co., particularly around leadership, consistency and storytelling, now shape how she approaches CaptureNoire. Years spent helping organizations articulate their missions sharpened her understanding of how powerful authentic visuals can be.
“Telling your story, authentically you — that’s at the heart of everything we do,” she says.
One of the most defining moments in CaptureNoire’s history came with its official launch campaign. Timed to coincide with Juneteenth, the “Legacy in Color” campaign leaned into nostalgia, memory and the importance of documenting Black family history. Working alongside photographer Erica Haskins, Jackson helped create a visual narrative inspired by everyday moments, including Polaroids at grandparents’ homes, laughter around kitchen tables and memories that feel like home.
“It made everything click,” Jackson says. “Seeing people resonate with the why. That’s when you know you’re on the right path.”
Since launch, CaptureNoire has also benefited from pitch competitions and accelerator programs, including the Be Nimble Foundation’s PitchFest. Beyond funding, these experiences helped Jackson refine her business model, clarify her growth strategy and gain mentorship critical to scaling a tech startup.
Looking ahead five years, Jackson envisions CaptureNoire as a global platform integrated into classrooms, creative programs and content ecosystems worldwide. She hopes to expand educational partnerships, deepen the app’s social features and develop complementary tools that support the evolving world of photography and video creation.
“The sky really is the limit,” she says. “This is bigger than one app. It’s about changing how we think about representation, technology, and whose stories get told and how.”
With CaptureNoire, Jackson isn’t just editing images. She’s reshaping the lens through which we see one another. For more information, visit capturenoire.com.
