I'm far from being a good photographer but IMO, a good photograph should show more than just the subject. It should capture the feelings of the scene.
For instance, although a straight, close up shot with just a dead deer in the center of it captures the subject, it says nothing about other things.
Adding a rifle along side, on top of or laying across the deer adds something.
Backing off so the surrounding area shows adds even more. Usually though, if the deer is right in the center of the picture, after a quick glance at it, the viewer loses all interest.
Now, if the deer and gun are laying somewhat off center, to the side in the picture, and the area to the side and behind the deer are clearly visible and at all scenic, the viewer will have more to study and appreciate. He will get a feeling for the entire area. The hunt, the bushes and grass or snow, the rocks the deer and the gun and perhaps develop a feeling for everything that happened. This type of picture can hold the viewers attention longer and allow him to use his imagination to put himself into the scene.
Obviously, the picture shouldn't taken from too far away but it also shouldn't be a close up snap-shot.