how do I view photos stored in cloud

If you have iCloud Photos turned on, the photos on the device are the same as on iCloud, with the possible exception that some of them may be space-saving optimized versions if you have that option turned on. You view them in the Photos app on an iOS device or Mac. You can also login to icloud.com and go to the Photos app there. The following Apple article has information about iCloud Photos: Set up and use iCloud Photos - Apple Support

If you didn't have iCloud Photos turned on but do have an iCloud backup, you can restore the entire phone (not just the photos) from iCloud but you cannot otherwise view the contents of the backup. The following Apple article has information about backup: Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup - Apple Support

You may have been using iCloud Backup. There is nothing wrong with that, but there is no way to view the contents of an iCloud Backup at iCloud.com or anywhere else. The only thing you can do with the backup is use it to do a full restore of a device or to setup a new device.

That is one of the reasons that I prefer to use iCloud Photos. You can view iCloud Photos at iCloud.com. You can use iCloud Photos and also use iCloud Backup. The photos won't be duplicated. See: Set up and use iCloud Photos - Apple Support

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Knzi wrote:

... For several hours I sent phone photos to the cloud and also my back up drive. I need to see them. They are not in iCloud.com Is there another location I should/could check. I'm a grannie so thanks for your patience :)

How did you "send photos to the cloud and also my back up drive" ?

Also, you may be a grannie but I'll bet I'm significantly older!