I used the B&W adjustment layer to convert from color image. Then adjusted the contrast with a levels adjustment layer in luminosity blending mode
Smudged the background until the figure was unrecognizable.
Created a merge visible layer and blurred slightly to soften skin, masked to reveal sharp eyes.
Duplicated the merge visible layer and blurred extensively then masked for burred background.


forum discussion: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1006&message=28077462
original image by Happy1: