how do I view my photos that are on the cloud

On an Apple device use the Photos.app to access your iCloud Photos. It is more versatile than the web interface. Use Photos for Mac on a Mac, Photos iOS on an iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad. Or iCloud for Windows on a Windows computer.

The web interface at www.icloud.com is more limited than the Photos.app on an Apple device.

If you're talking about from Safari (web), please go to https://www.icloud.com/photos/ and authenticate. Once authenticated you will be able to see all your photos and videos within iCloud.

I hope this answers your question! Feel free to ask questions below if it doesn't.