When shooting portraits, or people in general, octagonal softboxes or octaboxes can help you create flattering lighting that enhances your subject's features. Octagonal softboxes connect to your strobe lighting equipment and diffuse the intense light produced by the strobe, resulting in soft, even light that wraps around the subject. You can eliminate harsh shadows with an octabox, making your subject look more natural and helping minimize any imperfections. 

In addition to these practical benefits, using an octagon softbox can also be a creative choice. By using soft, even lighting, you can create a specific mood or atmosphere in your photographs. You could use an octabox to create a soft, romantic glow for a couple's portrait, or to create a dramatic, moody effect for a fashion shoot. Lighting is a tricky aspect of photography and octagonal softboxes give you options to realize your creative vision.

Are Octaboxes Only Used for Portrait Photography?

Octaboxes are most commonly used for portraits because of the flattering light they create, but those desirable effects make them great for other applications as well. For example, octaboxes are also used in product photography because they create even lighting that shows off the product's features and details. They are also used in fashion photography because they enhance the details of the clothing as well as the models.

Are Octagonal Softboxes Only Used for Flashes?

Octagonal softboxes and softboxes in general are mainly used with flashes. Some models are designed for continuous lighting, however. Sometimes you will see octagon softboxes used with daylight bulbs in studios.