• Boom in photographers aged 30+
• Average photographer owns nearly £6,000 worth of equipment

A growing number of people in their thirties are snubbing camera phones in favour of expensive professional photography equipment.

Specialist photography insurance provider Photoguard reveals an 88 per cent rise in the number of 30 to 34-year-olds taking out specialist photographic insurance over the past five years, the highest increase of any section of the population.

And, it appears to be a case of no expense spared for this new breed of photographer who owns an average of £5,748  worth of equipment. If every member of the British Institute of Professional Photography owned equipment of this value, their combined kit would be worth more than £18m.

Those aged between 20 and 24 are also opting to invest in photography, with Photoguard reporting a 39 per cent rise in the number taking out specialist insurance between 2007 and 2012.

By contrast, those in the 15 to 19-year-old age range are among the least likely to invest in professional photography. Photographers in their early to mid-thirties are 51 per cent more likely to take out specialist photography insurance than both their younger and older counterparts.

Elsewhere, Photoguard also reveals cameras are insured for an average value of £1,108, with essential equipment such as lighting, tripods and lenses mounting up to an additional £1,192. 

Adrian Scott, head of Photoguard, commented: "Our data suggests camera phones do not cut it for everybody and an increasing number of photographers are prepared to kit themselves out with more expensive professional gear.

"Many people become more established in their careers when they are in their thirties. The boom in people taking up photography in this age group could therefore be down to them having higher disposable incomes and more money to spend on luxury leisure activities compared to those people in their twenties.

"Photographers also need to bear in mind that cameras make up only a fifth of a typical photographer's overall equipment and recognise that accessories are a serious monetary investment. If someone is investing in good quality accessories as well as their camera, they should consider insuring their entire kit so adequate protection is in place should any of it be accidentally damaged or stolen."