Image copyright Jimmy Nelson Image caption A Maori man photographed at the Gisborne Festival in New Zealand in 2011

Photographer Jimmy Nelson has been capturing images of communities he describes as some of the world's last surviving indigenous tribes.

The images, according to Mr Nelson, aim to give an insight into lives untouched by the modern world.

He said he had to work very hard to make contact with people he wanted to photograph.

"You have walk in with humility, and build a relationship from the ground up which is very exciting."

Image copyright Jimmy Nelson Image caption Kazakh in Altantsogts, Bayan Olgii in Mongolia photographed in 2011

Image copyright Jimmy Nelson Image caption Huli Wigmen photographed in Ambua Falls, Tari Valley, Papua New Guinea in 2010

Mr Nelson, from Sevenoaks, said: "We went with translators, invariably we were so isolated that none of the translators could speak the language or dialect of the people we met.

"The majority of people didn't understand photography or where I was from."

Image copyright Jimmy Nelson Image caption Masai Sarbore, in the Serengeti in Tanzania photographed in 2010

Mr Nelson said he used very slow-exposure film, which required his subjects to remain still for several seconds.

"People don't take time taking photos. My camera slows you right down, and you have to make contact.

"It's impossible to get the picture sharp unless I can communicate."

Image copyright Jimmy Nelson Image caption A Maori woman photographed at Rauwhiri Winitana Paki, Taupo Village, North Island, New Zealand in 2011

"People all over are very narcissistic, so as long you can communicate that you 'adore' somebody and admire them, people begin to feel important, and that's the process of developing the relationship," Mr Nelson said.

He said he wanted to act as a catalyst for discussions about the world "which is changing at breakneck speed."

"These people are our heritage and it's extremely important that we understand them and develop a dialogue."

Image copyright Jimmy Nelson Image caption Gauchos in the Parque National Los Glaciares, Patagonia, Argentina (2011)

An exhibition of Jimmy Nelson's work is on display at the Atlas Gallery in London from 25 September until 16 November.