Photos is just a database file isn’t it? You could copy that file out and the import it into another instance of Photos on another Mac.

I’ve done this before to recover photos when moving around laptops.

My concern with logging into my Apple ID on my work Mac is that there is cached data installed locally. Things like messages, photos, even tabs from other devices if you’re syncing Safari… there’s just too much to consider that could potentially be recovered by IT. I think (hope) most of this stuff is encrypted (like I think iMessages is) but it still gives me pause.

Would love to be educated otherwise!