I want to download photos and notes from my iphone---don't see a clear manner in which to do that

for photos..

Transfer photos and videos from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

for notes..

are they iCloud notes? or something else?

for iCloud notes, easiest way would be to sync using iCloud

Use Notes on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

(note that this is a syncing function and you cannot delete from one device and keep it on the other, any edits made on one device will also show up on the other device)