need to use itunes to transfer photos from computer to ipad pro?

You do not have to use iCloud for the photos if you don't like. You can sync the photos to the iPad using iTunes. Select the photos that you wish to have on the iPad, and then sync in iTunes. See this support document, and scroll down to the section on sync. There is a short clip of it below. Keep your photos safely stored and up to date on all of your devices - Apple Support

Sync your photos manually with iTunes

You can set up iTunes to sync photos to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from the Photos app, or from a folder on your computer. Each time that you sync your iOS device with iTunes, the photos and videos on your iOS device update to match the albums on your computer. If you have photos on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch that aren't on your computer, follow these steps to import them.

1. Make sure that you have the latest version of iTunes.
2. Open iTunes on your computer.
3. Use the included USB cable to connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your computer.
4. Click on the device icon in iTunes.

Here you go

Sync your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iTunes on your computer using USB - Apple Support

One thing to remember, you sync a folder of photos to your iDevice, so you do need to remember if you alter that photo you will alter it on your ipad, and you cannot delete any photos on the iPad that have been synced onto the device. To delete a photo you’d need to delete it out of the folder then sync to sync it off.

Hello rlmslo,

The easiest way for sync easy access across devices is through iCloud, Apple encourages people to use this method. Personally, I use it and it makes my photos easy to access across devices. I too have thousands of photos but with the $1 a month for 50GB seems to hold all of my photos and videos with ease. I don't know much about using macOS with iPads to sync photos, but on Windows you get read-only access to photos (no uploading to device). There will be more experienced users around that will be able to advise you on this.

eMac,

TimmyPeter