Well the thing that stands out about the image in the OP is the detail, contrast and sharpening. The technique looks great on guys - chiseled and rough - but I'm not sure it's really going to suit the gf there.
The image you're using there is pretty washed out in the first place and lacks the detail to do something comparable anyway. What it could do with is some levels and shadow work to give it a bit more punch and run through a USM filter. After that, if you want to go for B&W, then go for it.