I have lots of iCloud storage but my iPad is showing that photos are taking a lot of my gigabytes

Hi, have you turned on optimise iPad storage. this way, your iPad will store smaller versions of your photos, and your iCloud will have full resolution HD photos/ videos stored which can be accessed anytime.

check if this setting Is enabled:

1. Tap Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Photos.
2. Turn on iCloud Photos.
3. Select Optimize iPhone Storage to save space on your devi

iCloud storage does not increase your device storage. It simply allows you to access your files from any device. The files are still on your device. If you delete them there, they will be deleted everywhere. You would need to move them to an external drive and then delete them from your device to gain back some storage space on your device.

the, sign out of iCloud, restart your device and sign back in. It should solve your problem, I hope.

You are most welcome! :)