You should do what makes you happy and what youre clients will pay for. BUT, you likely wont gennerate a new following unless you do somthing radical or somthing that is proven. That takes practice, and a lot of it.

I'll bet if you were to put some of those shots out as hi-key they would gennerate additional interest. There's a reason there are basics, not because they are the "best" but because they work. Usually, the "best" stuff in my opinion slightly breaks the rules. In your case, while I understand your purpose, and your point, I believe I rather see hi-key than an under exposed background. My preference is for a completely white background and offset poses with appealing angles.

Keep shooting, the more you photography, the more you know what can and can not be photographed. . . elliot porter