Putting the book at a 45 degree angle (propped up on some other books or an empty arch lever file.) Is useful because it saves the neck from strain when photoreading and activating. One of the common causes for activation difficulty is distraction often caused by discomfort. Getting into the habit of good posture helps to maintain focus when reading/activating.
The reason the newspaper is laid flat and you stand up (for photoreading) is because it's easier to handle faster that way while maintaing photofocus.
When learning to photoread I did prop my book up as suggested. It possibly aided the fast learning curve and did make it easier to maintain photofocus because the book was steady. Now I prop the book up when I know I'm going to be spending a bit of time with it and want to activate it fully and quickly otherwise I notice that I do a lot of photoreading standing up so to hold the book steady it's usually propped against the bookshelf at eye level at 45 degrees 
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Comfort is important; it makes the process easier so if you can try propping the book up and see what it does for your comfort and intention.
Alex
[This message has been edited by AlexK (edited September 18, 2003).]
