Question: Is it permissible to look at a picture of a woman before marriage?

Answer: Pictures are forbidden. Pictures that contain souls are not permissible and what occurs from the Muslims today is that the male fiance and his intended (spouse) exchange photographs with one another. Then this is blind following of the West.

So he should see her in person, by way of her walee (guardian), if he desires to be engaged (to her). Only, then can he look at her and she can look at him. Yes.