  A reggeized model for \eta and \eta' photoproduction on the nucleon is
presented. In this model, t-channel vector meson exchanges are described in
terms of Regge trajectories to comply with the correct high energy behavior. We
compare this reggeized model with an isobar model (\eta-MAID), where the
t-channel exchanges are described by \rho and \omega poles. Both models contain
the same resonance contributions, and describe current \gamma p \to \eta p data
up to E_\gamma^{lab} = 2 GeV quite well, but only the reggeized model can be
successfully extended to higher energies. For the \gamma p \to \eta' p
reaction, the reggeized model is found to be able to give a satisfactory
description. For the differential cross section data from SAPHIR, we find that
the observed linear forward rise in cos(theta) near E_\gamma^{lab} = 1.6 GeV
can be well described by the interference of an S11 resonance and the Regge
trajectory exchanges without any need for an additional P-wave resonance.
