How do I achieve a "movie"/"cinematic" like softness in photos?

[kevinold]

Hi everyone,

I'm only posting the link to this photo as it isn't mine. It captures a "movie/cinematic" feel that I'd love to achieve.

golden hour on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

I'm just not sure what it's called (if there is a term to describe how the "softness" or "other worldlyness"), but would love if someone could help me define it, so I can reference any documentation on how to achieve this.

It doesn't appear to be post processed, but I could be wrong, which is why I think it's a technique/settings.

This photo was taken with a Canon EOS 20D, the flickr info says, and I have a Nikon D40. I'm sure I could produce a photo with this softness, but am not sure how to go about it.

I have 3 lenses a 18-55mm kit zoom, 55-200mm zoom, and a 50mm f/1.8D prime to use.

Hopefully one of them will do, even though I favor the 50mm these days.

Thanks for any advice.
Kevin

[Mr Guy]

A big chunk of the crucial element for that particular example is the very carefully controlled lens flare from shooting into a reflection of the sunset. I wouldn't be surprised if a polarizing filter was used. Another strong element is how they exposed for the shadows and deliberately let the highlights blow out. The depth of field helps give some of that softness to the background, and carefully controlling the contrast and the saturation completes the effect.