There are some devices that plug into the lightning port and let you save files that way. I don’t know why people complain about iCloud. It’s the best way to sync across devices and the BS about feeding skynet is just that. Using a PC to back up photos from an iPhone is about the most antiquated method ever. Apple is more secure than a PC will ever be. I’d also bet many of those photos are junk and should be deleted but maybe she wants to keep them all.