The scion of the influential photography clan has just begun to take up the family tradition.

What serendipity and weight to be born into a family that has shepherded a photography dynasty through generations. Zach Weston’s great grandfather is Edward Weston, his great uncle is Brett Weston, his grandfather Cole Weston, his father Kim Weston. So how has Zach begun his professional life? The 24-year-old studied business at UC San Diego and CSU Monterey Bay, and now wants to study nutrition.

But when he finally picked up a camera with serious intention, all the accumulated artistry of the Westons was waiting for him and the doors opened: to a photography exhibition of four generations of his family at the National Steinbeck Center last year, and the upcoming Next Generation 2015 show, opening 4-7pm this Saturday at the Center for Photographic Art, alongside peers Michelle Magdalena and Kodiak Greenwood, and curated by Rachael Short.

Weekly: Was it a given that you were going to do photography?

Weston: I would not say that. My dad never pressed me to become a photographer. He wanted it to be a natural thing, if I wanted to do it.

When did you start seriously taking pictures?

In 2012. I wanted to get my mom a gift for her birthday – a black-and-white image of one of our cats. I asked my dad if I could borrow a camera and develop and print [the photographs]. Through that, I realized I liked the process.

What do you like about the process of film?

I liked working with film, working with my dad in the darkroom. I don’t like being in front of a computer. The darkroom feels more hands on, working with a process that’s old school, not done anymore, but got photography where it is today. It forces you to finish in a tangible print I can put on the wall. With digital it stays in my computer.

Who are your favorite photographers?

I don’t look at other photographers’ work as much as my family’s. Growing up, a lot of photographers came over to our house for dinner: Huntington Witherill, Winston Boyer, Ryuijie, Chuck Davis. [Knowing them] creates an in-depth relationship between their work and me.

There is a documentary called Growing up Weston. What has it been like?

At galleries and openings people asked me if I was photographing yet. The answer was no. Now that I look at it, I don’t know – it’s cool. I wouldn’t ask for anything different. Having a very influential family is good. Sometimes people look to you to follow in their footsteps. For a long time I wasn’t into it, [but] it’s opened the doors to a lot of cool people, events and parties.

You shoot in both film and digital. What do you do with each?

I use digital to document, if I’m going on trips. Film is for more serious photography.

What are some of the difficulties shooting in film?

I guess getting the shot. Having a limited number of shots. Knowing what the image is going to look like before you take it. At this point I’m still learning. I use a light meter. I have 10 shots a roll. I also shoot 4x5 which is two shots a roll. It makes you slow down a little bit.

What do you look for in a picture of an object, a location, a model?

The shape of it, its lines, how it reflects light. I do a lot of my model work in the studio at this point. For that I plan, have an idea what direction I’m going to go. In nature, now, I sort of just go.

What’s been your relationship with the Center for Photographic Art?

I’ve donated a couple of miniature prints in the past. I’ve gone to shows there, but nothing as far as a being in a show.

Do you see photography as a career or hobby?

I don’t really see it as a career at this point. I’ll keep on shooting because I like it. But I need a job to buy supplies.

What do you love doing that has nothing to do with photography?

Being in the ocean, surfing, fishing, just being around the coast. I’m a state lifeguard so I’m around it a lot.

Did I see cat photos on your website?

Yes. I like taking pictures of cats – my parents’ cats. That’s what I do with my digital cameras. I just like cats and so I take pictures of them – it’s sort of goofy – with my iPhone. I have an Instagram account with pictures of cats. I Facebook them.