How to achieve a soft, vintage look with a digital camera/photoshop?

Question

such as photos like these:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3212/2282750654_80f1d2d5cf.jpg?v=0

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n243/atheist_lovebug/8caabba2.jpg

Answer 1

Generally portraits of that era were tack sharp. These images appear to be scanned prints that came out softer due to scanning, not old style.

Answer 2

The photograph was made using flood lighting rather than 'flash'. Focus on the eyes of the model and use the largest f-stop available on your camera.

There are also 'soft' filters available. You can mimic the effect of such a filter by placing 'gause' over you lens. (Or insect screen).

Experiment. There is so much more to photography to discover.

Nick