MP4 saves to Photos not to VLC

[theboatman]

If I airdrop an MKV file to the iPad from my Mac, it correctly identifies VLC as the target and saves in the correct place to play.

If I airdroo an MP4, it goes straight to the Photos app and is inaccessible to VLC (as far as I can tell)

So two questions; how do I direct MP4 files to VLC without having to convert them into MKV files? and can I play MP4 files that are in Photos from VLC.

It is worth noting that I can't connect to the Mac from VLC through Network, VLC can see the devices but will not connect, even to Public folders.

Any help gratefully received.