Sign in with Apple ID on a new device, but avoid downloading my photos

Hi,

I have a specific use case that is very hard to find the solution online.

I just received a new MacBook from work and I would like to connect it with my AppleID that I already use on 3 personal devices.

I would like to not have my personal data (like photos) on the work device, but keep syncing all my other 3 as I do now, but using my current subscriptions for iTunes and other applications I've already purchased on my AppleID.

From what I understand, if I turn off Photos Sync from iCloud Settings that will stop the sync on all devices. Is that right?

Is that the only way to stop downloading photos on a specific device?

Thanks in advance.

Oana