Before They Pass

Inspired by Edward Sheriff Curtis and his iconic portraits of Native Americans, photographer Jimmy Nelson and his 50 year old camera journeyed to 44 different countries, visiting more than 35 indigenous tribes and documenting their stories and traditions for his book Before They Pass Away. Portraits of women, men and children, from tribes like the Markens in the Netherlands and the Tsaatans of Mongolia, are visual captivating, in just the astonishing dressing alone. But there is also a profound soulfulness in each person’s eyes, which Nelson has so artfully captured, that is downright mesmerizing. I’m left wanting to know more, which is why this book has made it’s way to the top of my holiday wish list!

jimmynelson6

jimmynelson10

jimmynelson9

jimmynelson2

jimmynelson3

jimmynelson25

jimmynelson4

jimmynelson5

jimmynelson18

jimmynelson15

jimmynelson21

jimmynelson19

jimmynelson8

jimmynelson13

jimmynelson17

jimmynelson14

jimmynelson22

jimmynelson16
jimmynelson7

jimmynelson11

jimmynelson12

jimmynelson23

jimmynelson24

Leave a Comment

7 Comments

  1. Anna Ropalo wrote:

    I remember the first time I saw this series, how blown away I was by the incredible images Jimmy Nelson was able to capture – a true artist. Inspired, humbled, awed.

    12.15.15
    Reply
  2. Michelle wrote:

    These photos are incredibly stunning, they capture the beauty of the culture and the beauty of the person presenting it. So beautiful!
    https://www.makeandmess.com/

    12.15.15
    Reply
  3. andrea wrote:

    what a gift the photographer has given us!!!!

    12.15.15
    Reply
  4. Mun wrote:

    I’m pretty sure husband would appreciate this book as well 🙂

    12.15.15
    Reply
  5. Nina wrote:

    Beautiful portraits! I had to laugh a bit, because of the text in the accompanying article;’ a tribe called the Markens from the Netherlands’?
    Correction: Marken is a small fishing-village, here, in the Netherlands. Some of the inhabitants still wear their traditional costumes (as do some other villages in our country), but to call them a tribe?!
    We don’t have tribes in this country, we’re all ‘just’ Dutch.
    Best regards & happy holidays from The Netherlands

    12.21.15
    Reply