Tried Dragan effect.

I recently found out about Dragan effect processing. I tried to learn how to do it by watching youtube videos. It was hard for me to follow because I'm not good at Elements and the video was discussing CS3 or CS4. I know I didn't end up with the effect but I think it's pretty decent. A shot at Thanksgiving where my sister in-law walked up behind my brother to pose for a picture. Original then edited versions.
1.

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'image/gif' | Byte size: ZERO | PHOTOBUCKET ERROR IMAGE

I'm sorry I meant to ask for comments or suggestions. Thanks.

David

It seems like the hot spots on their faces were upped. But otherwise, I like it although I'm not familiar with this effect either.

Thanks for the comments. I did up the hot spots and I also increased the shadows. I was trying for very high contrast.

I can't get any comments here. However, I sent the pictures to my mother (who doesn't have a clue about photography); she said she likes the original photo the best. "The others seem to have white around their eyes and the black and white one makes them look older."

What a slap in the face.

I am not familiar with the Dragan proces. But I agree with your mother.... I think the original - although slightly under exposed - is better than the processed ones. Maybe just a little play with the exposure, brightness and contrast sliders....?

I wish I hadn't mentioned the Dragan effect. That really has nothing to do with me wanting cc on the processing. I figure who ever was not familiar would either look it up or not. My images don't really resemble the targeted effect.

I still liked what I ended up with pretty good. But, if others don't I can live with that too.

Ok forget all about Dragan.... What I failed to mention is that I like the way you got rid of the clutter in the background of the original. So if you take #4 and then try to get the skin colours a bit back to natural and clean up the hot spots - especially in the ladies face I think you got a very acceptable photo.