how do i get iPhoto to work on catalina update

Photos replaced iPhoto several years ago. To use iPhotos with your media: Launch Photos with the option key held down. From the resulting dialog choose your iPhoto Library. Photos will make a new Library with your iPhoto Media. Your iPhoto Library will not be changed.

Here are some user tips from Photos for Mac  User Tips that will help you in your transition from iPhoto to Photos:

Notes on Migrating an iPhoto Library from iPhoto to Photos for Mac - read first

External Editors in Photos Are Here

Photo Editing Extensions for Photos for Mac

Post 9/30/2018 Printing Options for Photos - Apple Community

Ordering Books and Calendars on a Mac that cannot be updated past El Capitan 

Use Project Extensions to order print products in Photos after September 30, 2018 - Apple Support

Create and order print products in Photos with Project Extensions - Apple Support