[Mongwopman]

I have recently bought a Cokin P Filter holder and a P121M Grad ND Filter as well as a ND8 filter but I am unsure of how to use them correctly.

I am using a Canon 400D and want to proficent enough to use the setup in December where I will be in South Africa on holiday (I already know where and what i'll be shooting as I am South African and lived there)

From what i can understand my steps would be as follows? :

Setup tripod and Camera
Double check viewfinder (composition) and set focal length and focus manually.
Use AE Lock to lock exposure reading from grey card
Slide in my Filter of choice, probably be the ND4.
Re-compose and shoot.

Am I correct in this? Scense will mainly be Seascape sunsets and sunrises.

Any help and general tips would be fantastic! Seem to be ALOT of knowledge on these forums.