Transition mini to 17/photos and apps questions

I am looking to upgrade my iPhone 12 mini to an iPhone 17.

I would like to 1) keep the photos from my mini, but do NOT want to see them on my new phone while simultaneously 2) I would like to keep the App store apps I've already paid for without immediately seeing them all appear on my new phone. I just want to see the phone as is for awhile (a blank slate).

So, can I one by one add in the apps I've already paid for from my previous phone, without populating them all at once?

In summary: is it possible to sign in with my apple ID and not bring over all my photos, but be signed in to selectively one by one add in some, but not all of my paid for apps?

If these two things are doable-- what's the best approach to achieving it?

Thanks!