To provide a photoacoustic apparatus capable of performing imaging in a wide range and acquiring a stable signal.SOLUTION: A photoacoustic apparatus includes: a light irradiation unit for irradiating a subject with light; a probe for receiving a photoacoustic wave generated from the subject due to irradiation of the light; and a movement control unit for controlling a first movement mechanism for moving the probe to the subject, and a second movement mechanism for moving a light irradiation position to the subject. The movement control unit switches the control between first control for moving the light irradiation position and the probe on a surface of the subject while causing them to follow each other, and second control for moving the probe while fixing the light irradiation position on the surface of the subject.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1【課題】広範囲に撮像を行え、かつ、安定した信号を取得できる光音響装置を提供する。【解決手段】被検体に光を照射する光照射部と、前記光の照射に起因して前記被検体から発生した音響波を受信する探触子と、前記探触子を前記被検体に対して移動させる第一の移動機構と、前記光の照射位置を前記被検体に対して移動させる第二の移動機構と、を制御する移動制御部と、を有し、前記移動制御部は、前記被検体表面における光の照射位置と前記探触子とを互いに追従して移動させる第一の制御と、前記被検体表面における前記光の照射位置を固定し前記探触子を移動させる第二の制御と、を切り替える。【選択図】図1