How do I get iPhoto to unfreeze from importing?

I began importing photos from my iPhone and iPhoto froze midimport. I tried to close down the application and eject my phone but notifications kept popping up saying to let the import complete, but it had been frozen for an hour. I unplugged my phone and shut down and had to hold down the power button for it to shut off due to iPhoto trying to import. When I turned it back on, I plugged in my phone and tried the process again but it won't let me import because it says it is still trying to import. HELP!!!