Best procedure to save images into SQL Server database ?

Question

Hi to all. In my project i need to save user uploaded images into sql Server database.I thought to store those images directly into database by taking Image type column and i will retrieve them whenever i need to.But some of my friends are saying that this will result into performance issues as the app need to download those images directly from database.So,they are suggesting to save only the paths of images in database.but here my problem is what will be the situation if any image is not available in the stored path or missing by any chance?.I am totally confused in this scenario.So, guys please guide me according to this scenario where i can implement secured approach and i can avoid performance at the same time.
                                Thanks in Advance.