I too ran into the issue where I was informed by the MAS that there was an update to Photo as well as another program I have from them. When I tried to download either update , I was told that the updates could not be downloaded. After trying several different thing, it turned out that I was not signed in to my Apple ID. Once I did that, the downloads worked. Photo 1.8.6 is running fine for me under the latest Mojave.
Sorry, Chris. I should have sent you a note, but the screen I used for update stated you would be automatically informed. Thank you for having a look at it.