Can't upload sony camera pictures

I have a sony camera and have plugged the camera into the usb port of my MacBook Air. I haven't been able to get my photos to upload to my laptop. At first something popped up about not having enough battery life and my usb ports were disabled. Then after doing some research I was told I could upload them through Iphoto but I have the newest operating system and Iphoto doesn't run on it. I have tried to upload them from the photos app but I won't let me or even know my camera is plugged in. Is there any way to upload my pictures without Iphoto? I just really want to see and edit the photos from my camera.