Eliminating shadows and diffusing harsh lighting from photos is one of the few key functions of a softbox. It is one of three major equipment used in photography for producing soft lighting along with scrims and umbrellas. 

The best softbox lighting uses includes diffusing bright light and spreading it evenly on the subject. It can be used both as a primary or secondary light source in a scene. You can use it in broad daylight, with flashguns, and as a continuous light source.