In accordance with the embodiment, a reading apparatus comprises a photographing device configured to photograph an object to produce the image of the object, a reading section configured to read information from the image output from the photographing device, a detection section configured to detect a portable terminal equipped with a display unit for displaying information read by the reading section from the image output from the photographing device and a control section configured to control the photographing of the photographing device according to a first setting for photographing an object other than the display unit of the portable terminal if the portable terminal is not detected, or the photographing of the photographing device according to a second setting for photographing the display unit if the portable terminal is detected.