Help with iCloud

iv recently brought a MacBook Pro. When I download picture from my dslr camera and import them onto my MacBook Pro they are going onto my other devices such as iPhone/iPad. I do not want this to happened I take thousands of pictures sometimes.

Is there a way way to store my images on my MacBook Pro without them all being uploaded to the iCloud? I know I can turn iCloud off however I still want to be able to upload selected photos?

Im not sure if there is an easier way