Sushi Counter

Salmon nigiri and tuna rolls sit across a warm wooden sushi counter, with patterned ceramic bowls lined up behind them. The salmon gives the picture a clear orange anchor, while dark nori, white rice and pale ginger add smaller breaks across the plates. Farther back, a chef works softly out of focus, leaving the food and counter textures in front.

Start with the black trays, chopsticks and bright salmon pieces, since their edges are easy to separate. The bowls make useful round landmarks through the middle of the scene. Later, the wood grain and softer background take more patience, but the plate rims, soy bowl and wasabi keep that area from turning flat.