A novel photo-induced initiating system, 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone (DMPA)/ferric tri(N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate) [Fe(DC)3], was developed and used for the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of styrene in toluene. The polymerization proceeds with DMPA as photo-initiator, Fe(DC)3 as catalyst and DC as a reversible transfer group, while the halogen and ligands are free. Well-defined PSt was prepared and the polymerization mechanism revealed by end group analysis belongs to a reverse ATRP. Block copolymer was prepared by using thus obtained PSt as macroinitiator and Fe(DC)2 as catalyst under UV light irradiation via a conventional ATRP process.``