With this radiation photographing apparatus, radiation image converting panels (or IPs) of the same size are used. X-rays shot through an X-ray tube are focussed to have a predetermined size by an X-ray diaphragm to expose a patient and to expose the IP with the penetrated X-rays. This IP is picked up from a feed magazine by a spot shot device, and is supported and set at a photographing position by a holder. The exposed IP is set in an image reading device. Only that area which has been exposed by X-rays is irradiated by a laser beam in the reading device. This area is scanned by the laser beam, and phosphorescence is emitted from the IP when it is irradiated and converted to an electric signal by a photodetector. This detection signal is sent to a image reproducing device to display the X-ray image.