Hello, please try these steps to download your photos. It may resolve the issue you are having. Details can be found at
Make copies of iCloud Data.
Follow these steps to manually import photos and videos in shared streams to your iPhoto library:
- Open iPhoto and choose Shared > iCloud in the Source list.
- Select a shared stream under Family and Friends' Streams.
- You can import all new content or choose which items you want to import:
- To import all new content, click Add To, then click Import.
- To import specific items, open the shared stream, hold down Command, and select what you want to import. Click Add To, then Click Import.
This is only one variation, the website outlines several other scenarios as well.