Born in New York City, Susan Byrnes spent her early years immersed in the arts, studying photography, studio art and art history. Her career began as a photo stylist, which led to the opening of her photography studio in lower Manhattan, where she worked with editorial, advertising, and private clients. As an educator, she has also taught photography to all age groups, as well as producing educational films.

Her artistic expression evolved with the introduction of fabric and thread into her practice with the beginnings of the series of Drawing Conversations. Since then, she has expanded her exploration in fabric and thread. Her photographs, paintings and fabric constructions have been exhibited nationally and internationally.