once I have backed up my iPad to iCloud. I am able to go through my iPad and delete my photos? Basically does the back up each time, update files that have a modified date or is a new file? I.e. If I have 10 photos backed up, and after back up, I delete two photos from iPad. The two photos I deleted are still on my iCloud?
Other OS, OS is X but not sure exactly which
No, it doesn't work that way. An iCloud backup is not the same as content stored in iCloud. The backup can only be used to do a complete wipe and restore of the phone.
Next, how are you managing photos? Do you have iCloud Photos enabled in Settings/iCloud? If so, then photos will be synced across all devices, so if you delete a photo from the phone it will also be deleted from iCloud and from any other devices that sync to iCloud. If you do not have iCloud photos enabled, you must copy photos to your computer using the USB cable to save them.
If you want to have access to your photos and not take up all your iPhone storage, try an app that stores them for you. There are several in the App Store.
iCloud back of an ipad
