how do I make I photo my default application for photos

Don't use Photos.

What exactly is preventing your from just using iPhoto?

Open Image Capture in you Applications Folder and connect your camera.

Then using the Image Capture App, set Import To: from Photos back to iPhoto.

see > http://www.macworld.com/article/1143001/imagecapture_tricks.html

and/or > Using a camera with your Mac - Apple Support

dasloaf473 wrote:

photos pops up, download pics, then i have to download pics all over again with iphoto

When the Import window opens in Photos, uncheck the box to open Photos when that device is connected.