transfer photo to imac from iphone without icloud

With the iPhone connected via cable to your iMac and your Photos library open go to the Devices section if the Library's sidebar and click on it.

Then select the photo you want to import and click on the "Import Selected" button:

To transfer photos to a computer without using iCloud, see the following (and skip the iCloud section): Transfer photos and videos from your iPhone or iPad to your Mac or PC - Apple Support

or use AirDrop: How to use AirDrop on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

Plug your iPhone into your Mac with a Charge n Sync cable.

Open the iPhone in Finder in the Sidebar. From there you can setup iPhone sync, backup and tell it to import Photos into the Photos App on the Mac.

Sync content between your Mac and iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

The cable you use to charge the iPhone.