Enhancing dark images by brightening the ambiance

Start by opening any dark image.

Duplicate the layer and hide it. From image menu select "apply image". Apply settings as shown.

Duplicate the layer again. Press Ctrl+Shift+U to desaturate the layer.

Change the layer mode to "Screen".

Press Ctrl+L to open Level settings. Adjust the arrows as shown.

Select and merge all the layers. Duplicate the layer. From filter menu select "Blur>>Gaussian Blur". Apply settings as shown.

Change the layer mode to "Soft Light".`