This man takes portraits of the world's vanishing peoples. Here's why

Jimmy Nelson spent nearly four years capturing photographs of 35 of the world's last remaining indigenous and, in some cases, quickly vanishing cultures.

The British photographer, who describes himself as "a romantic, an idealist, perhaps in some ways naïve", recently appeared at the Ted Conference in Rio, where he explained what drove him to complete this most arduous of projects and what he learned along the way.

As much as it was a journey to the furthermost reaches of the planet, it was also a journey within his own soul.

I travelled enormously as a child, very nomadic. It was actually very exciting, all around the world. I had this feeling that I was pushed off and at great speed to become somebody. ‘Become that individual Jimmy. Go off into the planet!’

So I ran and I ran… and I got somewhere and stood there and I looked around me and I thought, well, where do I belong? Where do I fit? What am I? Where am I from? I had no idea… Perhaps part of this journey is about me trying to find out where I belong.

• Jimmy Nelson

Watch the full video below:

You can see all of Jimmy's photographs on his website here.

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