BLUF: Is it safe/stable to store JPG files in a general field or should I stick to storing the path to the file???

This is my first attempt to automate the storage and management of digital photos (JPG's). I have the need to store 4 photographs for each of the 50,000 defendants in our database. Before I do this I would like to here from someone out there who has experience in this area. I have never used General Fields in a VFP Table before and I have read some disturbing things concerning them (Size/Stability Issues).