Okay, the iPhoto has been replaced (meaning that Apple no longer supports it) with the Photos app (look in your applications folder). Yes, iPhoto is likely still on your Mac, and it still works, but it has seen the end of the line WRT support.
Of course you have an iCloud folder, System Preferences/iCloud, although you might not be aware of it. The app Photos is on your Mac and your iPhone, and is where you are now supposed to sync images from your iPhone. If you are not up to speed with iCloud, and/or Photos, seek out local help to explain it to you. If that is not available, there is the option of looking online.
I suspect that your issue is a new Mac and because of the switch from iPhoto to Photos on that new Mac, and iCloud is how you sync your iOS devices with your Mac wirelessly. HTH