Is it possible to share photos via icloud so the recipient can store the images natively on their iPad or iPhone?

Email them. AirDrop them.

If you are considering starting to use iCloud Shared Albums, once in the shared album, your family can download them from the album.

They are not the original files, but they can be saved to a device of their choice.

jt in nyc wrote:

I am looking to share scans of old family photos that I added to iCloud photo albums with individual family members.

Thanks – I don't use iCloud or the Photos app for my photos, so this is a bit confusing to me.

These two statements are in conflict with each other -- how can you add to an iCloud photo album if you're not using iCloud or the Photos app for your photos? Maybe clarify your situation for recommendations.