Hey Denver C.
Welcome to Apple Support Communities! Looks like you are having some troubles with your Photos app? You should check the Photos preferences by tapping Settings > Photos & Camera on your device. Here you can verify if iCloud Photo Library and My Photo Stream are enabled. If they are, we know that your pictures are securely backed up into iCloud. You should check to verify that all of your pics are there. To permanently delete some old images see the steps below.
Delete photos and videos from iCloud Photo Library
In the Photos app on your iOS device, tap Photos.
Tap Select, then select the photos and videos you want to delete.
Tap , then tap Delete [items].
Deleted photos and videos are placed in the Recently Deleted album on your iOS device, where they remain for 30 days. After that, items are permanently removed from all your devices set up for iCloud Photo Library.
You can remove items from your device before the 30-day time period is up. On your iOS device, in the Recently Deleted album, tap Select, select one or more items, tap Delete, then tap Delete [items].
Delete photos from My Photo Stream
On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
Open the Photos app.
Tap the Albums tab.
Tap My Photo Stream.
Tap Select.
Tap one or more photos. You'll see a checkmark on the photos that you select.
Tap the Trash icon. Tap Delete [number] Photos.
My Photo Stream FAQ
iCloud Photo Library FAQ
Try restarting your iPhone by holding the power button then sliding to turn off. Check to see if your picture viewing issue persists. If you are still unable to see your recent pics, try signing out of your iCloud on your device then signing back in.
Tap Settings > iCloud, scroll down to the bottom then tap sign out. You will get a few prompts about iCloud synced data being deleted from your iPhone, you have the option to keep it in your iPhone if you wish. Although, once you sign back into iCloud you will be able to sync all the data stored in iCloud. Please remember to re enable your iCloud Photo Library and My Photo Stream as well. You should be able to view your pics as you wish with these procedures. Thanks for using Apple Support Communities!
Have a great day.