If you really want to self host but you aren't interested in a lot of dirty work then you can get a Synology and use Synology photos, right next to Synology drive ( Google Drive substitute) and everything else substitute.

It "just works" and it handles all of the updates/security for me. Even includes secure enough access via quickconnect so I can connect over the Internet.

That said it costs more than diy, and I have hardware limits. I can't just get 2 more drives and hook them up. I have a 2 bay Synology so I would need a whole new unit to get 2 more bays. It's better for me to just buy bigger drives.

Software wise - if it isn't in the Anyone App Store then you can just use docker so it covers everything.

But as someone who is already busy enough with a full time tech job and 2 kids. This solution works for me