Karl has linked to a tutorial on mono conversions that might be worth a read.
How are you doing it at the moment?

What you could do is upload a colour version of the firsdt image, then i can show the best method for mono edits for skin tones.What you have to try and avoid with some skin tones is not to make them too dark, remember white people have a pale, very slightly pinkish, people with dark skin are slightley easier to work with. Lips are a pain to get rightand thats when we use layer masks to help balance out the tones...

Here is the original.

I will try BAZ'S add on and see how I go.

Manny you are scaring me now with 'layers' lol I rubbish at photoshop so please explain as if I'm an idiot...lol

Thanks for all your input.

Layers really aren't as scary as they sound!!!
I don't know how I could edit without them now!

Did a very very quick conversion using an action I have lying around.
It could do with a bit of work to bring back the highlights etc but it gives you an idea of how different the skintones can look. I would also try to do some work to lighten up the eyes etc, but as I say this was just a quick 2 minute job.

The top one is mine, the bottom one is your one.

Jols
That addon is so easy to use you will wonder why you have been struggling

Bazza

thanks guys will keep you informed of my progress.

Baz Is it a demo?

No full prog video to follow what you can do and loads more

Bazza

Thats how easy it is

Bazza