Photos on MacBook 12"

Depending on the products & system versions; suggested means to do this vary.

Older articles, (two years+ old) are depreciated for use with newer iOS/macOS.

Which system(s) do your products use?

~ Some of these of certain vintage, work better together.

• Updating from iPhotos to Photos for macOS - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204655

• If you can't import photos from iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your computer - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204597

• Use AirDrop on your Mac - Apple Support

With latest two or three versions macOS (High Sierra/Mojave/Catalina) have differences, than older.

Your systems Help viewer could be useful to get newer article contents.

• Where are the photos I imported into Photos on my Mac? - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/guide/photos/where-are-the-photos-i-imported-pht12e7a8015/mac

• Overview of importing photos and videos into Photos on Mac - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/guide/photos/overview-of-importing-phta58cd90d3/mac

Sorry to say, these may not suffice for exactingly useful replies!

Good luck & happy trails!🌞☘