Why do employers ask for pictures?

I've never seen any legitimate ad that asks for photos, and I'd be highly suspicious of one that does.

Are you looking for jobs on Craigslist? That's a VERY bad idea.

Hi, I think it really depends on the company or whether or not you really want a job from them. I have been in the similar situation as you. I applied for a promoter position and was asked to provide a recent photograph, in the end, I didn't even get the job so it was all for nothing. So make sure that you know more about the company before providing them with your picture (e.g. are they a multinational firm, are they a legitimate company, etc.) After all there can be no guarantee whether or not it is safe to provide them with a picture.

Honestly though, asking for a picture has shown that they are quite biased in recruiting staffs, unless they recruit for modelling or acting jobs

You dont want to work for someone that needs to know what you look like first unless its a modeling or public relations job.

That could be construed as racist or ageist

It’s just another way to sort out what they don’t want to hire