I need a safe place to move all my photos

You can copy the content of your photo library to an external HD, for example.

If you are using iCloud Photos, you can save those photos as well to your computer and add them to the backup on the external hard drive.

Archive or make copies of the information you store in iCloud - Apple Support

Photos from your iPhone can also be transferred directly to your computer:

Transfer photos and videos from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

Use a 3rd party backup service such as Google Photos, upthere.com, shutterfly, etc. Here's additional options: A Beginner’s Guide to Backing Up Photos - The New York Times