Thanks everybody! I appreciate your input and for taking the time to comment and also play with the portrait. i have tried to keep it simple...to do a simple b/w conversion, but i really don't like it 'cause it looks so flat as Donald said. Pascale, i really don't like the orginal. just my tastes maybe. Pam doesn't like the original either. yes, Pascale, i agree with you...think my versions are too white! Jim...what you said about softening...yes...i've found that to be the case...they like it soft. Pam does. Yes, people see themselves differently. my brother, my dad...they have these say skin tones...lots of red...native American. I have it too but have more olive complexion like my mom. anyway, sometimes you can really see my red tones and i don't like it. Donald, i did try increasing the contrast and i thought maybe it was too much. i thought it brought out too much of the dark roots in Pam's hair (she dyes her hair) and kinda made Sandra's head blend into the background. that's why i didn't increase the contrast. I'd like your thoughts on this. i do like what you've done the best, Donald, because it's not flat. Will you tell me how you did it. i don't have PS. did you convert to b/w, colorize, and then increase the contrast? silly question...how do i get the contrast up without clipping the highlights? should i use curves? again, Thank you all for playing with the pic to show me what could be done and also for your feedback!!!! Glad cutting off her head wasn't a big no-no!!! i thought i really messed it up! You guys are awesome!!! :)