color filters for B&W on PS Elements

[brianfm]

When I shot film, I'd often use red or orange filters to increase the clouds vs. skies contrast. However, I'm having some difficulty attaining the same effects using PS Elements. I've tried utilizing the Photo Filter>Red on Elements before converting my photo to B&W, and the effects don't come close to when I used film. Any tips on how to recreate this using PS?

 

[Big Mike]

I haven't used elements in many years...but there are certainly ways to get the effect you are looking for.
Here is the first tutorial that came up on Google
An Adjustable Black and White Conversion in Photoshop Elements

 

[brianfm]

Thank you, Big Mike. I'm just awful at Photoshop. It looks like this will be helpful.

 

[KmH]

Photoshop experts aren't born, they learn how to use it through books, online tutorials (like the link Mike provided for you), and experimentation. Scott Kelby writes very popular Photoshop 'How To' books for Elements.

For use on B&W conversions, also explore how to do dodge and burn in Elements; Smart Dodge and Burn in Photoshop Elements

You might also benefit from visiting the definitive Photoshop Elements forum:
www.elementsvillage.com