I absolutely agree with you about it being art.  In fact, I doubt there would be many who would disagree with you.  I am a big fan of commercial artwork, especially old advertisements, movie posters and book covers, which are clearly works of art, and beautiful statements of grace.  The artists who makes these objects use the same professional techniques of art and composition that any non commercial artist has to use.  That said, I am a bit of a fuddy-duddy at heart, and don't think that every commercial photo reaches for the same artistic standards of a Richard Avedon.  He adds a something extra that makes this something more than just a gimmicky shot to showcase a fancy dress.  It is that "extra" that makes it art.
