Photographer · Santa Ana, CA · reviewed since 2012
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%100+58.7Reliability 26%99+25.8Value 15%100+15.2Experts Score= 100Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.100SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#5 of 39 pet photographyiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 89%
5.0★★★★★87 Google reviews · 5 photos
100%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate this Santa Ana photographer five stars based on eighty-seven reviews, with the owner responding to fifty-four percent of comments. Clients primarily document newborn, milestone, and holiday sessions at the home studio, citing the photographer's patience with children, clear communication regarding preparation, and willingness to accommodate specific cultural or family requests. The consistent high satisfaction reflects a professional approach that manages difficult subjects effectively, resulting in well-received final images without notable recurring criticisms in the provided excerpts.
Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 87 reviews (100% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 87 Google reviews (86 with written comments, 4 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 54% of reviews.
Most recent review: September 22, 2026.
Service: Pet Photographer serving Santa Ana, California.
Data from Google, last updated October 25, 2026.
Score profile vs other pet photography
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: satisfaction and craft & service; weakest: reliability.
Cathy Murai PhotographyPet Photography median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Cathy Murai Photography: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 99.A
100
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Cathy Murai Photography: 99/100 on this factor. Category median: 98.A
99
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Cathy Murai Photography: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Cathy Murai Photography: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Cathy Murai Photography: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 84.–
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Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
87 Google reviews we collected
5.0of 5
5 stars87100%
4 stars00%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star00%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 86 written reviews
99%praise
Praise15499%
Complaints21%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
100%fair
Great price571%
Reasonable229%
Overpriced00%
Not sure00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude5233%
Would recommend4026%
Quality & results2113%
Communication1711%
Speed & response1610%
Honesty & trust64%
Price & value43%
What customers talk about
We read 86 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“She did an amazing job and was so patient, kind, and great with our little one.”
“We did a family photoshoot with Cathy Murai at her home studio and it was a 10/10 experience.”
“Can't recommend her enough!”
“What sets Cathy apart is her incredible attention to detail and organization.”
“She’s easy to communicate with, genuinely listens to what you want, and goes above and beyond to make it happen.”
“Quick and efficient Santa photoshoot perfect for a 6 months old.”
“Lastly, she’s very honest about what’s recommended and what’s not based on the baby’s attention span.”
“The quality of the photos was outstanding and the price was very affordable.”
People customers mention
County3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Cathy Murai Photography for 1 kind of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
I7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Cathy is an exceptional photographer. We had our 7-5-3 photos with her, and she really knew how to engage with my three year old and make it interesting throughout the entire photoshoot. Thank you for the wonderful photos, Cathy! We look forward to working with you again in the future!
BrandonLocal Guide · 10 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
We did a family photoshoot with Cathy Murai at her home studio and it was a 10/10 experience. She made the experience fun & and she went way above & beyond to make us feel comfortable. The end result were fantastic family photos that we will have for the rest of our lives!
Great pricePortrait photography
Kimiyo1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
Cathy is a true professional. We wanted a portrait to celebrate our newest family member, a puppy, together with our child, and I know firsthand how chaotic that combination can be in a studio! She stayed calm and patient throughout, eager to get the perfect shot and never willing to settle for less. The final image…
Great priceHeadshot photography
Shanel1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 4 months ago★★★★★
Cathy recently did our daughter’s first birthday photos, and we are so happy with how everything turned out. She did an amazing job and was so patient, kind, and great with our little one.
She captured such beautiful moments that our family will cherish forever. The photos feel so special, and we are grateful to…
Z9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 5 months ago★★★★★
Cathy is not only a great photographer who knows how to shoot best photos for babies, but she is also someone who went above and beyond to help my family to have perfect memory together. thank you!
Maternity and newborn
Chiff2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 5 months ago★★★★★
I did a lot of research before hiring Cathy to do my 4 month old’s photoshoot, and I am so happy I went with her. Cathy is such a kind and funny human being who is so artistically talented in her profession. She was patient with my baby and even offered to take breaks just so my baby would continue to be in the best…
Cathy is an exceptional photographer. We had our 7-5-3 photos with her, and she really knew how to engage with my three year old and make it interesting throughout the entire photoshoot. Thank you for the wonderful photos, Cathy! We look forward to working with you again in the future!
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was such a pleasure photographing your family and capturing this special Shichi-Go-San milestone. I was so happy to find what made your adorable daughter happy and smile during the photoshoot, lol! Thank you for trusting me with these special memories. I would love to photograph your family again in the future!
Brandon FisherLocal Guide · 10 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Brandon has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We did a family photoshoot with Cathy Murai at her home studio and it was a 10/10 experience. She made the experience fun & and she went way above & beyond to make us feel comfortable. The end result were fantastic family photos that we will have for the rest of our lives!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Portrait photography
Response from the owner · 4 weeks ago
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was such a pleasure having your family in my Irvine studio and capturing these special milestone and memories for you. I’m so happy to hear that you felt comfortable and had fun during your session. That’s always so important to me! Knowing that these family portraits will be something you’ll treasure for years to come truly means so much. Thank you again for trusting me to photograph your beautiful daughter and family!
Kimiyo Nishio (ABD)1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Kimiyo has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Cathy is a true professional. We wanted a portrait to celebrate our newest family member, a puppy, together with our child, and I know firsthand how chaotic that combination can be in a studio! She stayed calm and patient throughout, eager to get the perfect shot and never willing to settle for less. The final image came out stunning! Soft, sweet, and full of personality. Can't recommend her enough!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Headshot photography
Response from the owner · a month ago
It was such a joy photographing your daughter with the newest little member of your family. 🐾 I’m glad I got to capture this sweet puppy stage, as I know how quickly they grow and change! Thank you for trusting me to capture such a special moment and for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful review. It truly means so much to me!
Shanel Hamilton1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Shanel has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Cathy recently did our daughter’s first birthday photos, and we are so happy with how everything turned out. She did an amazing job and was so patient, kind, and great with our little one.
She captured such beautiful moments that our family will cherish forever. The photos feel so special, and we are grateful to have these memories from such an important milestone.
If you are looking for a photographer to help capture meaningful moments with your baby or family, I highly recommend reaching out to Cathy.
Response from the owner · 4 months ago
Thank you so much for your kind words and for trusting me to capture your daughter’s first birthday milestone! It was such a joy working with your family, and your little one was absolutely precious. I’m so happy to hear that these images feel special to you because preserving these moments and memories for families is truly why I love what I do. Thank you again for allowing me to be a small part of such an important chapter in your family’s story!
Z Z9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Z has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Cathy is not only a great photographer who knows how to shoot best photos for babies, but she is also someone who went above and beyond to help my family to have perfect memory together. thank you!
Services: Maternity and newborn
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Thank you so much for your kind words! It truly means a lot to me. I’m so happy I could help create these special memories for your family. Thanks again!
Chiff Yeh2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Chiff has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I did a lot of research before hiring Cathy to do my 4 month old’s photoshoot, and I am so happy I went with her. Cathy is such a kind and funny human being who is so artistically talented in her profession. She was patient with my baby and even offered to take breaks just so my baby would continue to be in the best mood. It took a few weeks for the final touches on the photos but it was worth the wait. The final photos looked so amazing - literally blew my mind. I’ve already booked my baby’s 1 year old photoshoot with Cathy - so excited and can’t wait for this experience again!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Thank you so much for your kind words and for trusting me after all your research. Your little one was such a joy to photograph!
I’m so happy you love your images. “Blew my mind” truly made my day! I can’t wait to see you again for the 1st birthday session and create more beautiful memories together. It will be here faster than you think!
Yukari Enomoto2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Yukari has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Cathy has been capturing our family’s most precious moments since 2021, and I couldn’t be more grateful for her dedication and professionalism. From maternity sessions to newborn shoots and first birthdays for both of my children, she has beautifully documented every milestone.
Each photo she delivers is stunning, and they only become more meaningful as my children grow. Looking back at them always brings me so much joy. Truly, once you experience Cathy’s work, it’s hard to imagine working with anyone else 😜
What sets Cathy apart is her incredible attention to detail and organization. She takes the time—before, during, and after each session—to ensure everything turns out perfectly. She’s easy to communicate with, genuinely listens to what you want, and goes above and beyond to make it happen.
Her studio is also spotless and welcoming, making the entire experience comfortable for everyone.
Highly, highly recommend!
Services: Maternity and newborn
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Thank you so much for your kind words - this truly means so much to me.
It’s been such an honor to capture your family’s milestones over the years and watch your little ones grow. I’m so happy the images continue to bring you joy - that’s always my goal.
I’m grateful for your trust and support, and I look forward to many more moments together! Thanks again!
Yuejia “Rachel” Wu1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Yuejia has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We did 1yr old/cake smash photos for our little one. Cathy was very easy to work with, super communicative and accommodating. We had a hard time selecting outfits so she even looked for some outfits for us on Amazon. She took a family portrait of us with 7 adults, 1 baby, and 1 dog - amazing! Also we requested Chinese Zhua Zhou (brought our own props) in the photos to honor my culture, she accommodated that. Lastly, she’s very honest about what’s recommended and what’s not based on the baby’s attention span. I really appreciated that as a first time parent. In conclusion, highly recommend!!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · 8 months ago
Thank you so much for your kind review! It was such a joy photographing your little one’s cake smash and capturing your beautiful family, including cute pup! 😊
I especially loved incorporating the Chinese Zhua Zhou to honor your culture. It means so much that you trusted me to document such a special milestone. I truly appreciate your review and hope to see your family again as your little one grows!
Cathy
Jen and Adam KrouseLocal Guide · 15 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jen has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Cathy is so sweet and wonderful to work with! She took our Santa photos this year and we are so happy with how good they turned out! She took so much time with our family and helped us choose the best photos! Highly recommend her! Thank you Cathy! :)
Sayoko Takano1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Sayoko has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
