I want to talk about simplicity.
One of my best selling photos was simple to shoot and shows none of the skills I have learned in photo school.
To be honest I don't even know, why it had succeeded so much because technically I have done nothing but aiming at the subject and shooting.

This photo had sold 109 times and generated about 15% of my income.
I went out to the fields in late spring, I saw the wheat field, I liked the sky, I aimed and shot. I did care for the light and measured it correctly, but there is nothing at all beyond that.
Why does this photo sell so well?
Part of it was the decision to post it as free for download which has generated almost 3400 downloads. right after that week, the sales had risen substantially, but that was 3 years ago.

couple of other factors contribute to the success of this photo
One is the fact that this straightforward picture is basic in terms of photographic skills and wheat is considered basic food.
Part of it, is the light and sky conditions that added to the feel of the picture

My conclusion is, sophistication has its place, but sometimes the simple clear and uncluttered images convey a much stronger message.