An investment is only wasted if you don’t use it. With that said, I am assuming you are referring to a 50″ x 50″ softbox? That is a pretty big light, which is a nice thing to use if you want to replicate window light. Your approach to photography and lighting is very much a personal thing, so there never is a right or wrong answer. Like I said, the only wasted investment is the one you don’t use. Personally, I don’t like to use softboxes to light people, except if they are to be used as hair lights and rim lights. I prefer to use beauty dishes and silver umbrellas and other open light sources for people because the quality of light tends to be more crisp. Again, that is my approach to lighting and is by no way the only way or the right way to light necessarily.
