Business Spotlight: Blueflash Photography

Blueflash Photography, located in Cranston, RI, started 12 years ago when owner Matthew Celeste, an electrical engineer, decided to buy himself a camera. Completely self-taught, Matt started by practicing shoots with small family sessions, and, before he knew it, people were asking him if he shot weddings. Over the next few years, he realized his photography business was enough to sustain him and his family, so he resigned from his engineering job and never looked back.

Since then, Blueflash Photography has not only grown their wedding business but has added video services and web development, as well as commercial photography and videography for local small businesses. Real estate agents throughout the area look to Blueflash when they need photos and virtual tours of their real estate listings.

Matt and his team at Blueflash work together on all aspects of the business, including the actual shooting, marketing, web development, team management, branding, and high-level strategy. And, as Matt says, “Being your own boss isn't a bad perk, either!”

As a customer of Washington Trust, this is what Matt has to say about the Bank: “Washington Trust has been the most helpful and responsive bank I have ever dealt with. When the pandemic hit and the PPP loans were getting introduced they were completely on top of it. I had interactions with other banks when trying to get the PPP loans and it was night and day with Washington Trust.” He continues, “For one thing, it seemed like they actually cared. Secondly, they came through because they are competent and vigilant. Everything happened smoothly and as quickly as possible. They were even instrumental in getting me the second round of PPP as soon as it was available. Both were a lifeline to my business and family.”

Although his industry has gone through a rough period during the pandemic, he credits the camaraderie in the photography industry and Rhode Island being such a small state for helping him through such a trying time. “Lately the industry has been going through an extremely difficult time and everybody has rallied together to support one another and help each other get through it,” says Matt, “I think that's pretty cool.”

Matt and his team at Blueflash get to visit some pretty interesting spaces they wouldn’t otherwise have access to. One of his favorite memories is an engagement session where the couple rented out Fenway Park for an hour! To be in that historic space and have it all to yourself? What a cool experience!

For more information about Blueflash Photography, visit their website (www.blueflashphotography.com) or contact them at 401-484-1818 or [email protected].