iPhoto storage location

You just drag the Photos Library file to wherever you want it. If you drag it onto an external HD be sure to open it there by double clicking on it to verify that the copy went as it should and all your photos are there before you delete the original file from your Pictures folder.

Be aware that the iCloud Photo Library is not an off computer storage facility. It's a syncing feature and any change, i.e. edits, additions and deletions, made to the local library will be reflected in the iCloud Library.

One option would be to use a portable SSD drive with your MBP like this one from OWC (MacSales.com): OWC Envoy Pro mini.

It's small enough to make it easy to carry around with the laptop.

They are normally stored in your pictures folder, in a library called "photos library.photoslibrary

If you want to save space by storing the originals in iCloud - first you need to have enough iCloud space.

Then in photos preferences, iCloud tab, check iCloud photos on.

If you also want to save as much space as possible on your mac, also click "optimise mac storage". If you do this, the mac will only have lightweight (lower res/lower quality) previews stored locally, and the full size images will be stored in iCloud. If you need to edit or export an image, the full quality version of that image will be downloaded while you do it. Note that if you select this, it may take some time to remove the full size images from your mac. In fact they might not be removed at all if your mac has plenty of space.

If you use iCloud to sync your photos, then DO NOT delete them from your mac (or phone, or ipad if synced there also). iCloud is a syncing process, not a backup service. If you delete them on your Mac (or iphone or ipad), they will also be deleted in iCloud and all your other devices.

Thanks for asking & APOLOGIZE for NOT KNOWING THE ANSWER~

HOWEVER~ALL THE PHOTOS I thought were safely TUCKED THERE

ARE GONE!

TRUE~I have about 3K pix of FUNGI but they were still important to me!

Good luck~hopefully~i will BE ALLOWED TO WATCH what ANSWERS you receive+

WELL~THANK you kindly, as I never KNEW that....

IT is worth the TIME to 'CRUISE' around here+

I just [FINALLY] asked this myself~ever knowing why they disappeared!

Thank you for SHARING your knowledge.....

Please excuse the CAPS as I don't see so well.

Safety & GOOD HEALTH to you & yours+