iPhoto '09 version 8.1.2 and OS X 10.5.8 on a MacBookPro? Thank you.

I have experienced issues with iPhoto for over a year now and would appreciate some help. When I import pictures from my Camera Canon PowerShot SX230 HS, they appear in iPhoto and when I shut down and start the computer and iPhoto again, they are gone.

Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.