I'm not sure if Mr. Hill uses the High Pass filter technique but his stuff reminds me of that. I've come up with some similar results playing around with that filter so you may want to experiment with it. The following article is based on using PhotoShop but it also applies to PS Elements.
There will come a point where the style will become overused and abused. Lately I've been seeing too many images that try to copy the Dave Hill look. I like the style. I'm not saying it's bad, but too much of a good thing can't be that good either.