We present a quark model study of the $\omega$ meson photoproduction near threshold. With a limited number of parameters, all the data in history are reproduced. The roles played by the {\it s}- and {\it u}-channel processes (resonance excitations and nucleon pole terms), as well as the {\it t}-channel {\it natural} (Pomeron) and {\it unnatural} parity (pion) exchanges are clarified. This approach provides a framework for systematic study of vector meson photoproduction near threshold.
