Finder photo folders say they are empty...

Help!! I must have goofed something up somewhere along the line. When I try to browse to upload photos to my web-based email, the folders show the dates I downloaded pictures, but when I open them, they are empty. The photos are in my library on i-photo. I have to drag duplicates to the desktop and then upload every time I want to send a photo or use snapfish. Can anyone help me?
Heather