“Analog Film in Digital Photography”

In analog film photography, it was common practice to make black & white photographs with an orange or red filter in front of the lens. By applying filters in digital photography, Film Simulations continue this practice to control the look of the image.

Yellow filters absorb yellow, which the human eye often perceives as dazzling, so they naturally enhance contrast in an image. The fact that yellow filters are used in driving glasses, which make it easier to recognize letters even in low-light conditions, shows their effectiveness. In the film era, many photographers would leave a yellow filter permanently on their lens. The effect they have on darkening the sky is modest, but this gives the filter broader appeal. It is useful if you prefer your black & white photographs to be a little edgier, or like slightly darker grey shadows to make the highlights look brighter.