Overview of importing photos and videos on Mac
Import your photos and videos into your photo library so you can organize and edit them with Photos. You can import photos and videos in a variety of ways:
Use iCloud Photos: Turn on iCloud Photos on your Mac and other devices to see your entire library on all your Apple devices and on iCloud.com.
Import from a camera or phone: Connect a camera, iPhone, iPad, or other mobile device to your Mac and import photos and videos from the device.
Import from storage devices and DVDs: Import photos and videos saved on a hard disk or other storage device.
Import from Mail, Safari, and other apps: Import photos and videos sent to you in an email or text message, or downloaded from Safari.
By default, imported photos and videos are copied into the photo library in the Pictures folder on your Mac. If you prefer, you can store photos and videos outside the photo library—for example, in a different folder on your Mac or on an external hard drive. See Change where photos and videos are stored.