Naked for 15 Minutes

For a city never lacking in exposure both decent and indecent, photographer Greg Friedler’s new book, “Naked Los Angeles,” is a natural. The follow-up to his “Naked New York” documents 76 Angelenos--from a 23-year-old social worker to a 53-year-old retired chauffeur--in, and completely out of, their clothes. Friedler, who found participants through a classified ad, talks about the book, to be published this week by W.W. Norton & Co.

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Q: You go, “OK, you can take off your clothes now.” How do people react?

A: People really knew what they were getting into. Most were pretty bold.

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Q: How’d they undress?

A: If there was a chair there, they would sit down and take off their clothes. A few others would disappear to the bathroom and do some grooming. It was very matter of fact.

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Q: Why did people pose for you?

A: Everybody’s motivation was different. I think a lot of people in L.A. did it to get exposure and further a show-business career.

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Q: Are Angelenos more comfortable being naked than New Yorkers?

A: In L.A. people were a little more free-spirited about being naked. They didn’t care if other people were around.

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Q: In the buff, how does the West Coast measure up to the East Coast?

A: In general, people in L.A. were more concerned with their appearance, and media-savvy. The Angelenos also tended to be healthier.

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Q: So Angelenos look better nude?

A: Definitely. Especially the women.