Frankly, the suggestion that women have more power in this sort of situation is so wrong-headed that I honestly can't imagine how anyone familiar with Western culture could come up with it.
Whereas the women now had:
- a bunch of male scientists leering at them [1];
- some photos in the hands of those scientists that could be embarrassing;
- the possibility of those photos being stolen and distributed;
- a strong sense that they have no right to privacy or dignity in the highly male-dominated Ivy League world.
That last one would count as an educational bonus, at least.
[1] I'm only guessing that the scientists were male here, but I think it's a safe bet. Even nowadays, but more so then.
When it is better for men to do what they are told than otherwise, you classify it as a benefit. When it is better for women to do what they are told than otherwise, you call it oppression. I'm trying to draw attention to this double standard.
To be clear: neither the men nor women gained directly from having their photographs taken.