The gemara says one must see his wife before marrying, so looks are important. Therefore, won’t a picture save a lot of time if somebody is not attracted? Especially if they are coming from out of town just for this date.
BTW, for a girl to see a guys picture is in some ways less relevant. My understanding is that women judge guys by their accomplishments and confidence which you can’t get from a picture. If women judged by looks, then half of the yeshivishe oilam would be without wives, since there are so many shlumpy, unshaven, mismatched guys walking the streets of heimishe neighborhoods. It is a miracle that women are so forgiving.