Self portraits -C&C on conversion?

[Jimmy Hickey]

K well I would really appreciate some C&C on my B&W conversions, I am using i photo so I can't convert them the way I used to with photoshop, so I am still getting used to this set up.
2nd attempt at off camera lighting, lights from both sides-

Focal length: 22.0mm
Exposure time: 0.020 s (1/50)
Aperture: f/4.0
ISO equiv.: 400
Light Source: Daylight
Metering Mode: matrix
Exposure: Manual
1st attempt at off camera lighting, with one light to the right of the camera

I would really appreciate some comments and criticism on my black and white conversion, but C&C on the photo in general would be gladly accepted.
:hugs:

 

[Christina]

Well your first photo does not really pop. It seems really Gray.

Your 2nd is nice but the shadow is distracting.