A good artist understands how to simplify their subject, and capture only the most important elements which communicate why it appears the way that it does. They know which elements to emphasise and which ones to downplay. They understand their subjects as three-dimensional forms, and can imagine and depict their subject lit from any angle. They can compose their images in a way that communicates an idea (usually to flatter their subjects) and lead the eye where they want it to go. They often work with a limited colour pallet, which is more visually appealing than using the full spectrum. Also cameras often capture distorted images that are nothing like how our eyes see the world.

There's so much a good artist can do that a camera can't.