What Size Softbox Do I Need for Headshots?
For headshots, a 60×90cm (2×3ft) rectangular softbox or a 70–90cm octobox is the ideal size. This range produces soft, flattering light that wraps around the face without being so large that it loses directionality or becomes impractical in a small studio.
Why Size Matters for Headshots
The softness of a light source is determined by its size relative to the subject. A larger softbox produces softer, more wrap-around light with gentler shadow transitions. A smaller box produces harder, more directional light with defined shadows. For headshots — where the goal is usually flattering, even coverage of the face — you want a source large enough to wrap around the face but not so large that it spills uncontrollably.
A 60×90cm softbox positioned at 1–1.5m from your subject hits the sweet spot for most studio headshot work. The rectangular shape also means you can orient it vertically (tall) or horizontally (wide) depending on whether you want more coverage top-to-bottom or side-to-side.
Octobox vs Rectangular Softbox for Headshots
Octoboxes produce a rounder, more natural-looking catchlight in the eye — similar to a window. Rectangular softboxes produce an oblong catchlight. Neither is wrong; the choice is mostly aesthetic. Many headshot photographers prefer a 70–80cm octobox because the round catchlight reads as more natural in a corporate or environmental portrait.
Distance Affects Apparent Size
Moving a softbox closer to your subject makes it effectively larger (softer light, gentler shadows). Moving it further away makes it effectively smaller (harder light, more defined shadows). A 60×90cm box at 0.8m behaves very differently to the same box at 2m. For most headshots, keeping the softbox close — just outside the frame — gives the most flattering result.
Browse Dragon Image's full range of studio lighting and softbox kits for options suited to portrait and headshot work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a small 40×40cm softbox for headshots?
You can, but the light will be noticeably harder — more defined shadows and less wrap around the face. A 40cm box works well for a deliberate, dramatic look, but for commercial headshots where clients want flattering, soft light, go larger.
Should I use one softbox or two for headshots?
Start with one key light softbox and a reflector opposite it as fill. This gives you control over the shadow depth without the complexity of a two-light setup. Add a second light (background or hair light) once you're comfortable with the key-fill ratio.
Does the shape of the softbox affect the final image much?
The main visible difference is the catchlight shape in the subject's eyes. Beyond that, the light quality from a rectangular versus octagonal softbox of similar size is very close. Choose based on the catchlight look you prefer — round for a window-like feel, rectangular for a more graphic look.