That is why it is best to use video, in that you will know what to expect. But, that doesn't mean you can't have a good time!

Personally, I don't meet people IRL until I have a good idea of  the 3 "R's:" who they are, what they are, and how they are!

While video is by far better than photos, it is not always foolproof.  It will tell you how they look, but not much else.  I did have a few disappointments even with video, some had nvery nice wrapping, but empty inside.
My best bet has been a daytime date at a public place, a park or similar.  And if there is no click then there will be njo more dates. 
In my opinion, there is no foolproof way of really knowing before a face to face meeting, it is like worrying about how to cross the river before you arrive to it.

I've never met a person from online in real life. I just never got past the point of friendship, or lived far away. Sometimes I stop talking to them because I realize they're not that great of a person. However, there's nothing you can change about it. HappyExPat is right, you never really know a person until you've met them in person. It's the only way to know if there's any real chemistry, or if they're really what you're looking for. Wish you the best of luck.

I have met a few people IRL and had mixed experiences. The one experience was really disappointing because when chatting online the guy was really funny and witty, we had good conversation which seemed to flow naturally, but when we met we just didn't click, I didn't see him again after the 1st date. In another case the guy wasn't the most attractive physically, but we got on great so we went on a few dates. 

There's always the risk of disappointment as far as physical features goes, but relationships, whether online or not, should be based on more than just looks right? 

I believe that if the person does not post a picture then there is a reason, like she looks like a water buffalo.
I wrote to a woman in China. It turned out someone else had paid her to write to me and the pictures were fake. The pictures were OK , the woman was a mutt and couldn't speak a word of English. The woman and I got scammed,, ahh China scamming, this should be the national slogan. Come on down to China and get scammed, we got scams for everything, do you like tea, hell we'll scam you, pretty girls sure,pssst  hey buddy wanna a watch or a phone, look genuine (fake)

Don't go with any expectations, don't fall in love with a voice, don't ask her to marry you before hanging out together.
Not meeting expectations is what leads to disappointment. 
Meet up as friends. Maybe she'll think you're a dog and have no physical interest. 

It doesn't matter how you meet each other, while eventually, you get to know each other via face to face. Photo exchange makes sense before you meet in person. If the girl has a lot of make up, maybe it's a signal that she is not naturally good looking. Then, do not have a high expectation, or no expectation at all. No expectation then no disappointment.