The test image I am using is only ~150k, so I don't think the problem is with size. Also, I print out the value immediately before I insert it into the DB and it gives the expected binary garbage.

Use the PHP extension for MySQL to access data from the MySQL database.

And that’s all there is to creating a table and inserting data into it on MySQL. Once you have all the data necessary, your database is ready for usage by your web-based tool.