iPadOS 18 update has ruined Photos

Just in case you have not found it, this page in the user guide describes how to use "Customize and reorder":

Customize the Photos app on iPad - Apple Support

You can reorder the collections, hide collections, and pin the ones that are important for you.

You can modify what you wish to display under customize and reorder.

I’d like to know how? I want to open my photo app and have the option to look at albums that is gone with the update!! I hate the change in photos, please change it back!

I tried, I want the albums option not years or months! The update is terrible!

I've been pleased to be able to get rid of some of the fluff that's been there in the past. "Customize and Reorder" was a helpful addition!

This is my screen when I first open Photos:

My albums are right there! I don't have to tap a button or anything-- so handy!

If this isn't what your screen looks like, it might have been changed from the default settings. At the very bottom of the Main Window, below Utilities, is Customize & Reorder that others have mentioned:

Like you, most people want quick access to their Albums, so that's normally at the top of all the sections. But in Customie & Reorder, that can be changed, if you want.

If you like People & Pets, you can move that up (or down) Or, if you don't have any use for People & Pets, you can un-check it so it doesn't appear at all. You could, even, get rid of all the sections you don't want, and have Only Albums!

It's all up to you!