Airdrop photos from iPhone 13 mini not showing up on MacPro, everything up to date

My hubs has a brand new iPhone 13 mini, we own a MacBook pro (partitioned for two users, 2015, Montery 12.6.8), and i have a brand new iphone14 pro. I can transfer and airdrop my photos to the mac with no problems (heic format). We're having trouble airdropping photos from the mini to the mac. Everything is up-to-date, software-wise. the attached photos show that the photo app sees that there is 3 more photos, but they cannot be accessed (no right arrow shows up). The last photo is from the mini to show that the heif files should be automatically converting though it doesn't specify by what transfer option. I read where someone had a similar problem and did something with dropbox and fixed it. We have received dropbox photos from others years ago, but it is not an app we use. I see it in the applications though so it is on the mac. First, 1) how do I fix this problem? Second 2) please explain how photos work from iPhone to mac transfer if other apps are involved, Third 3) Heic and Heif formats seem incompatible for my local needs and storage, how can i (and at what point do i) change these formats? Fourth, 4) is iCloud photo storage optional or is apple migrating all i___ device photos to iCloud? I purchase extra phone storage primarily for photos, not apps, not gaming, etc. Thank you