What type of flash/light

I saw this picture the other day and was wondering what type of flash/light it was...anyone know?

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Called a ring light.
They create a special effect and shadow pattern, and weird catchlights.
Strobist is talking about them all week.

Ok, thanks.

Ring Light

Ring lights were originally developed for macro and closeup photography.

They are also used for some different (IMO weird and horrible - but, everyone to their own taste) images of people.

I don't even like ring lights for macro and close-up work because most tend to give shadowless (IMO - Dull) lighting unless they are modified. Some ring lights allow you to shoot with different power on either side of the ring - this does help in making an interesting image.

I am a photo equipment freak and my wife says that I want everything that has ever been produced - however a ring light is not among my many cravings.

They also produce a signature donut-shaped catchlight

They are more for macro and close-up scientific photography thou (CSI).

I've heard it speculated that the reason they're used so much in fashion photography is that they make the model look so bad, it turns the viewer's attention to the clothes.

Problem is when its used by itself, you get the typical shadow wrap look. If you use it in conjunction with a larger light setup though you can get some amazing results.

I have no interest in the typical model against a wall shadow wrap look but I would love to get a ring flash to use in conjunction with my other lighting. Ive seen it used equally to horrible and excellent results, I agree though it gets a bit overplayed nowadays.