trying to import photos from IP16 to Macbook Pro (2015)

I am running a MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015) and using the new Photos 6.0 (on MacOS Big Sur). I want to import the over 4000+ photos from my IP16 to this laptop but the Photos app is only showing me 85 "new photos to import". I have never imported photos off my IP16 before to any device but they do synch to Google Photos. The MacPro only has USB A connections so using a USB C to A cable. What am I doing wrong here please?