:bigangel:This effect can be done in camera by using a longer shutter speed and allowing part of the exposure to be in focus and then while still exposing, moving the zoom back. I have seen this detailed in an issue of Shutterbug magazine. Pretty cool effect.
it looks like he did a zoom blur to a copy of the photo, put it on top of the other one, and masked out the effect from half the image. (am i close, er11a?)
i also see a little pshop lens flare in there too.