Otto,
Theres' no such thing as a generalized "too cheesy" for weddings, as these are fantasy happenings to produce a book that mothers can show each other. It all depends on the "style" they think fits their society image. So this may well be artistic and fun to one person but silly to another. hopefully, the bride and mother picks you because the pick out something from your website or book that they like.
Asher
Is it too cheesy?
I would try a square crop here.
I find it uncomfortable, the straight arms are confrontational. Bend the arms or shoot from and angle and it is both more pleasing and more realistic. Imagine that she's holding a pistol rather than the flowers and you will see what I mean.
I'm with you, Asher. Weddings are a fantasy and the photos often are required to match that perception in the eyes of the bride. As with porn, the groom is just a prop, only needed at the conclusion of all the gyrations for the money shot. It's all about the bride.
Spending some time with the bride and discussing what she wants is absolutely necessary for success, but its often the unusual shot that wins the day. Something different to the girlfriend's wedding shots and something to match the price wedding photographers charge.
The approach you have taken here, Otto, is unusual and somewhat original and would probably please the bride it not the mother of. And that's all that matters.
Personally, I find the photo quite beautiful and symbolic. It combines the stability of symmetry with the dynamics of selective focus with a touch of mystery with the closed eyes and the pose.
Don't touch a thing!
Your question as to whether this is a cheesy shot?
As a long time professional wedding photographer (since 1979) who has seen all of the phases of cliche and corny wedding images - and who over the years has made every attempt to refuse to include shots that may be considered cheesy (ones requested over and over by brides because they have seen it and think it is something they want) - - - I'm sorry to inform you that the outreached hands with the bouquet, is considered a cheesy shot.
Does that mean you shouldn't take such a shot? NO. Does that mean your bride won't be thrilled? NO. Have I ever taken shots that are classified as cheesy? YES, but only once so that it is never something that I myself would repeat by having it requested by another bride.
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No matter how hard one might try to take control, its ultimately up to the mother of the bride to be appeased. This event is not about the photographer and his artistic integrity. This is business, and big business at that.
I respect any photographer who has survived even 10 years of weddings. It's one of the most exhausting jobs I can imagine!
Asher