The human eye actually doesn't only capture light that comes directly from objects. Reflected light is also processed by the eyes and brain so that we can see color, shape and depth.
Interestingly, the brain doesn't just "receive" images. The brain also interprets information from incoming light, including shadows and light-dark differences.
That's why we can recognize objects in different light conditions, even though the actual information received by the eye continues to change.
It turns out that the process of seeing that we consider normal every day is actually quite complicated too.
