Import Photos from iPhone to iMac:

An iPhone 14 Pro Max would use a Lightning to USB-C cable and I know for a fact that connecting that cable to a Mac with a USB-C port or one with a USB-A to USB-C adapter cable allows one to transfer photos from the phone to the Mac using Image Capture. Have also done this with an iPhone 15 Pro Max with a USB-C to USB-C cable.

What year model is the iMac..?

see > Identify your iMac - Apple Support

To Sync your iPhone with your iMac using a USB connection.

see > Use the Finder to sync your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with your Mac - Apple Support

USB-C is just a faster version of USB. If your iMac does not have USB-C ports?

Then you will need to use a USB-C to USB-A adapter or a USB-C to USB-A sync and charge cable.

One not so funny thing about USB, including USB-C, there are cables that are for charging only, no Data transfer. :(

https://www.anker.com/blogs/cables/are-all-usb-c-cables-data-cables