Page titles and meta descriptions are like the "name tag" and "quick intro" for your webpages. You can access them under the settings of each page.
They help Google understand what your page is about and how it should be indexed in search results. Think of Google as a librarian and your website as a new book. Without a title and a description, how would the librarian know where to shelve it?
Example how pages are indexed in Google with their according descriptions:
However, Google may choose to display different content based on its relevance to a specific search query. This is done to ensure the most pertinent information is presented to the user. Therefore, maintaining relevant and precise website content is crucial.
Here is an excerpt of Google statement of November 2021
"Shaking up the title world. Google recently confirmed that it can change the title of your web pages in its search results. Meaning whatever title you have set on your web pages may not be what is actually displayed in search results. If this makes you a little uneasy, it should."
So yes, you can not influence WHAT Google will display, but you can apply consistency throughout your website settings to help Google display the correct information about your website.
Adding page Titles
For example for the page set as landing page you can use something like John Doe - Photography.
For a contact page John Doe - Contact. That will help Google to "read" each page separately rank your page better.
What to avoid:
Not creating any page title at all
Making titles too long
Naming your page the same name as your website or business name
Naming all your pages the same name or something similar to each other
Calling the page without having a "connection" with the page description
Repeating keywords within the title
The ideal length of Meta title: The ideal length of meta title is about 60 characters. There is no harm if you exceed your title length, but Google will truncate some characters and display dots at the end.
Adding page Descriptions
For example for the page set as landing page you can use something like " Fashion & beauty photography portfolio of New York based photographer John Doe" .
For a contact page " Contact John Doe Photography for booking and inquiries. Send us an email or call".
That will help Google also to "read" each page separately rank your page better.
What to avoid:
Too many characters. Search results are limited in displaying, especially on mobile devices.
Too few characters. You can also make your description too short.
The description doesn't match the content.
Duplication.
Keyword stuffing.
Boring taglines.
Not using meta descriptions at all.
The ideal length of Meta description: It's best to keep meta descriptions long enough that they're sufficiently descriptive. We recommend descriptions between 50 and 160 characters. Keep in mind that the "optimal" length will vary depending on the situation, and your primary goal should be to provide value and drive clicks.
Check and optimize your website META Description: https://app.sistrix.com/en/serp-snippet-generator